Jan
5
2013

If Healthy, Carl Pavano Wouldn’t Be A Bad Pickup

An article by Brandon Butler

With spring training almost a month away, the Mets are running out of time to fill voids left in the outfield, bullpen and starting rotation.

Andy McCullough of the Newark Star-Ledger reported this morning that the Mets and Carl Pavano are in preliminary discussions on a potential deal, and that the interest is mutual.

A lot of fans are probably not thrilled that the Mets are looking at the former Yankee to fill the void in the rotation. But by looking at his stats from the last several years, it seems like it might not be a bad idea.

From 2009 to 2011, Pavano was able to get his career back on track with the Twins and was able to pitch 200 innings or more each of those seasons. Most importantly, he stayed healthy.

That said, the 36 year old right-hander, is coming off an injury-shortened 2012 season with the Twins in which he posted a 6.00 ERA over 11 starts, totaling 63 innings. He suffered what was called a bone bruise on his right humerus bone and made his last appearance of the season on June 1.

He is believed to be healthy now, and even last year, he exhibited his trademark strong control and K/BB rate which has always made him appealing.

The Mets really need someone who can eat innings now that R.A. Dickey is gone. Pavano can fill that role and perhaps be effective and dependable in pitching-friendly Citi Field.

Of course, like Chris Young before him, the only way I see him pitching in New York again is if he would be willing to accept an incentive-based deal.

About the Author: Brandon Butler

Brandon is currently a MMO Minor League Staff Writer. He is also the co-host of the Mets Madness Podcast on Talkshoe Radio. Brandon lives in Hornell, NY.

13 Comments + Add Comment

Just-Da-Damaja January 7, 2013 at 3:22 pm

good pickup in my opinion…

i dont want to see our young pitchers get sabatoged by poor catchers ( buck ) poor defense in the OF and 2B…and a poor bullpen

and frankly, if Warthen is going to screw someone over…Id rather it be Chris Young and Carl Pavano…than Mejia and Wheeler

The only reason RA won all those games was because he was striking out dudes left and right along with inducing pop ups that even castillo could catch

the fact that Sandy has his cut and paste mantra of shaping a roster and still pays no attention to defense is frighteningly bad.

Jason Bay was out almost half the year and Duda was STILL in RF…and even after we pointed out that Duda was rated the WORST RF in all of baseball…he didnt play a game in LF til September

Think about that..
TruthsaboutMurphy January 7, 2013 at 3:38 pm

I think they didn’t want to take a guy who’s trying to learn one outfield position and start throwing him over to the other side of the outfield.

Maybe it was for his comfort.

I’ll take Pavano, he’s a good pitcher when healthy.
- Hitman January 7, 2013 at 3:50 pm
  
  When is he ever healthy? In a 14-year career, he’s managed to throw 200+ innings FOUR TIMES.
Metfan Lou January 7, 2013 at 3:42 pm

He could be an excellent mentor for the young guys.
- Just-Da-Damaja January 7, 2013 at 7:06 pm
  
  Only Met fans would say Carl Pavano’s a good clubhouse influence and Johan Santana is a “distraction”
  
  SMH
Joe January 7, 2013 at 3:45 pm

Whats going on with Jeremy Heffner? Isnt he the #5 starter?
Why would we address SP, without FIRST addressing OF & tweaking the PEN?

Isnt it:
Santana
Niese
Harvey
Gee
Hefner
Joe January 7, 2013 at 3:49 pm

Well, JP Howells off the market, for a measly 2.85M. Geez, we could have beat that.
- ifthevansrockin January 7, 2013 at 4:12 pm
  
  would have had to, and probably by a lot, to get him to come to a rebuilding team instead of the newly top heavy Dodgers.
  
  plus, you seem to always hear about “west coast guys”, but hardly ever “east coast guys!”
TX January 7, 2013 at 4:29 pm

That mustache is glorious. Magnum P.I.-esque.
- Boomer January 7, 2013 at 4:36 pm
  
  I was thinking 70′s porn star.
  
  I’ve been hoping the Mets would go after Javier Vasquez but it appears he is looking for greener pastures. Too bad.
Metro12 January 7, 2013 at 5:14 pm

American Idle, part 2? No thanks. I find it hard to root for this guy knowing how poorly he behaved in the Bronx. Besides he appears to be done. This has disaster written all over it. I was hoping they’d go for Marcum.
AndyB January 7, 2013 at 5:57 pm

Old, injured, cheap, willing to sign for one year. Let’s go Mets! At this rate they may sign Babe Ruth. Yes, I know he’s dead, but look at his numbers.
saturn January 7, 2013 at 5:57 pm

I hardly complain but yuck

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	24	18	.571	-
Nationals	23	20	.535	1.5
Phillies	20	23	.465	4.5
Mets	16	24	.400	7.0
Marlins	11	32	.256	13.5

Last updated: 05/18/2013

MMO Mets Chat

Need Tickets To The Mets Game?

Check Out These Great MLB Links!

For wholesale prices on New York Mets gifts and equipment, check these stores out!
Mets Autograph Signings
Mets Fan Apparel
Mets Autographed Baseballs
Baseball Card Supplies
Baseball Equipment

For the best seats and lowest MLB ticket prices, go to PurchaseSeats.com. Get your Mets Tickets now and follow them on the road with Yankees Tickets, Phillies Tickets, Nationals Tickets and Braves Tickets!