November 4, 200422 yr By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com Carl Pavano's 18 wins in 2004 established a Marlins season victory record. (Alan Diaz/AP) PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Preparation was a major reason Carl Pavano had an All-Star season for the Marlins. The 28-year-old right-hander trained rigorously, studied hitters and constantly refined his delivery. The hard work paid off with an 18-8 record with a 3.00 ERA. As one of the prize free agents on the market, Pavano plans on being just as deliberate when deciding on where he will play in 2005. "I'd say the slate is clean," Pavano said Thursday. "There are a lot of factors that are going into my decision. As far as giving a definite where I'll be, I don't know. That door is still open, and it's going to remain open for a while. I'm going to take my time on this decision. I'm not going to rush it." Pavano's 18 wins established a Marlins season victory record. Before officially filing for free agency on Wednesday, Pavano sat down with Marlins management, which offered $21 million over three years. "I think the Marlins definitely made a very respectable offer out there and a commitment to me," Pavano said. "But I'm going to see what else is out there. "I think I owe it to myself and my family to see what other kind of commitments I can get from other teams. That's important to me right now." Pavano spent Thursday morning participating in a celebrity golf tournament. The event, called the Jacob's Ladder Celebrity Golf Tournament, was established by Marlins veteran reserve infielder Mike Mordecai. The tournament was held at The Country Club at Mirasol, and the proceeds go to assisting infants born prematurely. Pavano said he was encouraged by his meeting with the Marlins. He feels a certain loyalty to the team and owner Jeffrey Loria. Pavano has been close with Loria since they were together with the Expos in 2000. When Loria purchased the Marlins in February of 2002, Pavano was obtained in a trade with Montreal in July of that season. While there is a closeness, Pavano says the Marlins will not overextend their budget to keep him. "I think it's kind of clear cut that it's a decision that if I want to be with the club, I don't think they can afford to get into any kind of bidding war," Pavano said. "I don't have much experience on the free agent market. We'll see what happens. [Wednesday's meeting] was encouraging. I'm looking forward to talking with other teams." Other Marlins at Thursday's golf tournament included third baseman Mike Lowell and pitcher A.J. Burnett. Mordecai, a veteran backup, also is a free agent. But he has been taking his time filing for free agency, because he expects to be back with the club. Prospective free agents have until Nov. 11 to file. "I'm not looking to go anywhere else," said Mordecai, whose tournament has already raised about $20,000. "It boils down to if they want me or not." On Wednesday, Marlins general manager Admin Beinfest contacted Mordecai to wish him luck with the tournament along with saying the team will talk soon about getting a new deal done. http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...s_fla&fext=.jsp
November 4, 200422 yr "I think I owe it to myself and my family to see what other kind of commitments I can get from other teams. That's important to me right now." :violin Bye Carl.
November 4, 200422 yr "I don't have much experience on the free agent market. We'll see what happens. [Wednesday's meeting] was encouraging. I'm looking forward to talking with other teams." :toilet Nice knowing you Carl.
November 4, 200422 yr Pavs is just following the process. The Marlins gave him a good deal. If he wants to stay he can take it, but if he wants the big money he will leave. Its that simple. If he gets a big contract from NYY/Boston and still comes back, then even better.
November 4, 200422 yr Pavano is gone!!!! (Future Angels player) Click Here for Link!!! 608519[/snapback] :plain
November 5, 200422 yr "I think I owe it to myself and my family to see what other kind of commitments I can get from other teams. That's important to me right now." :violin Bye Carl. 608346[/snapback] What family? Are there little Carls running about that we are unaware of?
November 5, 200422 yr Good thing mordy is staying (not being sarcastic). Veteran leadership off the bench, plays every infield positon, solid pinch runner, and good contact for occasional pinch hit situations. At his price, better a veteran with leadership skills than an untested career minor leaguer. Good job by FO bringing Mordy back. Either way hes so cheap that it wont affect nay other signings. And Easley has got to go (unless he signs for a million or less)
November 5, 200422 yr He used to say that no matter what, money isnt an issue. He wanted to stay in FL no matter what. I see things have changed. Im glad the Marlins have called Benitez agent. We may not get him, but we owe it to him to at least call, with the numbers he put up. If Pavz leaves, I hope theres some talk about Jose Lima. His performance in the division series was AMAZING.
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