Pavano and other Free Agents

Pavano officially a free agent

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

MIAMI -- The Yankees are selling the House that Ruth Built and 26 championships. The curse-free Red Sox are celebrating the end of an 86-year World Series drought. And the Tigers and Orioles are pitching commitments to restoring baseball glory in their tradition-rich cities.

So how do the modest-means Marlins compete in the Carl Pavano Sweepstakes?

What the Marlins offer is continuity and a track record of personal and team success.

Pavano, who set the Marlins' single-season record with 18 wins in 2004, officially hit the open market on Friday, the first day free agents can be extended offers from other teams.

A little more than a week ago, the Marlins extended a three-year, $21 million offer. Pavano had an encouraging meeting with Florida general manager Admin Beinfest, but Pavano expressed his interest in testing the market.

"We'd like to have Carl back," Beinfest said. "But Carl has earned his right for free agency. He is within his rights to talk with other teams."

With at least a dozen teams expressing interest, including the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Tigers and Mariners, the Marlins offer something none of their rivals have.

"We think we know Carl better than anyone else," Beinfest said.

There is a loyalty and admiration between the Marlins and Pavano. In every year that Jeffrey Loria has owned either the Expos or the Marlins, he has had Pavano on his team.

Pavano has agreed to keep the Marlins apprised of his thoughts as he entertains offers from other teams.

"We've had a lot of conversations," said Scott Shapiro, Pavano's agent. "We expect some offers real soon."

Pavano is applying the same diligence to free agency that he showed in becoming an All-Star pitcher.

Just as he studies hitters in preparing for a start, Pavano will ask questions and visit lots of places. He has spent the past few days in Montreal, where he has been working out with a personal trainer. On Saturday, he will be in South Florida, formulating a travel game plan with Shapiro. On Monday, Pavano will take part in the Marlins' celebrity golf tournament.

Sometime later in the week, Pavano likely will be traveling to -- in no particular order -- New York, Boston, Baltimore, Detroit, St. Louis and Seattle.

"Carl is a guy who has proven he knows how to pitch consistently," Shapiro said "He has gotten better every year, and he's only 28 years old. He's a guy who can be looked upon as a potential anchor man for a rotation. Looking at that particular factor, there are not a whole lot of guys like Carl out there.

"With the priority that is always placed on starting pitching, when you see a Carl Pavano become available, I think it's a logical conclusion to secure him in your organization. Every time he touches the ball, your team has a chance at winning. He's durable. He's a winner. How can you not want to have that guy on your team?"

The Marlins have also offered backup infielder Damion Easley a one-year contract. Easley is testing the market to see if he can find an opportunity for more playing time. If not, he may re-sign.

Free agent closer Armando Benitez has not been presented with an offer from the Marlins, and he is measuring interest elsewhere, including the Cubs, White Sox and Indians.

Backup catcher Mike Redmond wants to return, but has not yet been extended an offer.

"It's kind of out of my hands," Redmond said Friday. "It's up to them."

On Friday, Redmond was with Juan Pierre signing autographs at the team's Holiday Kickoff Party at the Marlins en Miami store in Coral Gables. The event, attended by mascot Billy the Marlin and the Marlins Mermaids, attracted about 150 people who lined up for autographs.

"As of right now, I haven't heard anything," Redmond said. "I've been in this organization my whole career. It's hard to believe I could actually be wearing a different uniform next year, but it is a good possibility. We'll see what happens."

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