December 9, 200421 yr Pavano mulling over his options Right-hander will take time to think about his future By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com? MIAMI -- From coast to coast, teams have rolled out the red carpet for free agent pitcher Carl Pavano. With the Winter Meetings set to begin on Friday in Anaheim, Pavano is getting close to deciding on where he will play in 2005 and perhaps beyond. Coming off a career year with the Marlins, where he went 18-8 with a 3.00 ERA, Pavano is one of the most coveted free agents on the market. His 18 wins established a Marlins season record, and helped make him an All-Star for the first time. Over the past few weeks, Pavano has visited the Red Sox, Orioles, Yankees, Tigers and Mariners. On Thursday, the 28-year-old All-Star was scheduled to be in Anaheim to meet with the Angels. Complete coverage > Because the heavy travel schedule was disrupting his workouts, Pavano isn't going to Anaheim. Instead, he returned to Montreal, where he will resume his training schedule with his personal trainer. He is weighing his options, and could make a decision during or shortly after the Winter Meetings.? Pavano's agent, Scott Shapiro, who has made all the trips with the right-hander, will meet in Anaheim on Thursday with Angels general manager Bill Stoneman. On Wednesday, Shapiro fielded a call from Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. Pavano is getting close to making a decision, and Shapiro says that the Angels remain in the mix, as do the Marlins. On Tuesday, the Marlins offered salary arbitration to Pavano. Even though Florida signed Al Leiter for $7 million (with a $1 million contribution to Leiter's charity) on Wednesday, general manager Admin Beinfest said the Marlins would like Pavano to return. On Wednesday, Pavano expressed his gratitude to all the teams for their hospitality. "I just really want to [express] my appreciation to all the organizations that extended such hospitality, welcoming me to the city, letting me get to know the personnel," Pavano said. "And I got to know some players on some teams. It was exciting for me. I spent the majority of my career surrounded by the [Marlins'] staff. So it was good to get out there and meet the personalities of other organizations." At each stop, Pavano received first-class treatment. Pavano was especially touched and moved to have met with a number of baseball greats. In Boston, he sat down with Curt Schilling. In his stop with the Yankees, he talked to Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson. Not to be outdone, the Tigers introduced Pavano to Hall of Famer Al Kaline. In Seattle, Pavano spent time with veteran left-hander Jamie Moyer. "It was cool," Pavano said. "I feel that I could go to any team and help them win. I'm assuming that they feel the same thing about me. It's very overwhelming to have all these teams want me as part of their team to help them win, help them move into winning championships. That's what it's all about. Getting to the playoffs and going from there. "I went in there [into the tour] with an open mind, having no expectations, no limitations. I went in there just wanting to experience what other cities have. From a city standpoint to the stadium standpoint, to the personnel, to the players, other people's experiences. There's various things in every city that really had my attention." Now that his tour has been completed, Pavano wants some time and space before making up his mind. "Until I really reflect on everything and have a little time away from it, I don't think I'll really be able to narrow it down," he said. "Every city has something special to offer that was really attractive." Pavano said he plans on discussing his options with his girlfriend, Lindsey. "I'm making the decision for the two of us," he said. "It's going to be something I want her to be comfortable with as well. I know ultimately it's my decision, but I definitely want her to be part of it. So I'm going to go to Montreal. I'm going to go up to my place up north. I guess they've got some snow. I'm going to go up there and light a fire and relax and try to unwind and definitely reflect on everything. I want to let everything set in a little bit, and definitely do some thinking ." Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. Link You have to give Pavano credit.....he is approaching this opportunity in a very thoughtful manner. He will certainly make the best choice for his own well-being and happiness. I wish him all the best.
December 9, 200421 yr He's not a stupid guy, that's for sure. Whether he leaves or stays, Pavano has definately become one of my favorite guys in this game just based on the way he approaches both the game of baseball and the game of life.
December 9, 200421 yr Must have been living the life recently. Looking at the Leiter deal, that might have helped real in Carl. Pavs said he wanted to go somewhere with an experienced pitching staff so he can learn. Well, hello Mr Pitching Coach Leiter! I initially thought Al was a replacement for Pavs, but it wouldn't be too far fetched to see them both in the rotation.
December 9, 200421 yr Still looks like Anaheim will end up signing him 630658[/snapback] Where did that come from? I would think the complete opposite from what I read.
December 9, 200421 yr Pavs is a class act. I wish he would surprise us and return....what a rotation that would be.
December 9, 200421 yr Must have been living the life recently. Looking at the Leiter deal, that might have helped real in Carl. Pavs said he wanted to go somewhere with an experienced pitching staff so he can learn. Well, hello Mr Pitching Coach Leiter! I initially thought Al was a replacement for Pavs, but it wouldn't be too far fetched to see them both in the rotation. 630655[/snapback] Hopefully Al will be on the phone with Pavs today...doing alittle recruiting for his new club. :thumbup
December 9, 200421 yr Still looks like Anaheim will end up signing him 630658[/snapback] Where did that come from? I would think the complete opposite from what I read. 630663[/snapback] Just my opinion...instinct if you will. I have no logical or convincing argument that it will happen.
December 9, 200421 yr lol. Maybe Anaheim is the place for Carl... (sing along) The West coast has the sunshine And the girls all get so tanned I dig a french bikini on Hawaii island Dolls by a palm tree in the sand I been all around this great big world And I seen all kinds of girls Yeah, but I couldn't wait to get back in the states Back to the cutest girls in the world I wish they all could be California girls...
December 9, 200421 yr Still looks like Anaheim will end up signing him 630658[/snapback] Where did that come from? I would think the complete opposite from what I read. 630663[/snapback] Just my opinion...instinct if you will. I have no logical or convincing argument that it will happen. 630677[/snapback] He completely skipped out on the Angels. Are you kidding me?
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