Indians get RHP Pavano

The Indians didn't waste anytime signing RHP and former Yankee pitcher Carl Pavano to a 1-year deal worth $1.5 million contract on Tuesday. Pavano was best known for his 18-8 year with the Florida Marlins, before signing a $39.95 million before the 2005 season. His 4 years there was disappointing, because of injuries. The Indians are happy with the deal because, Pavano has incentives, if he wants more money. He can earn up to $5.3 million dollars based on starts from 18-35 and innings from 130-235. The Indians have been eyeing a few starting pitchers, but this made the most sense. GM Mark Shapiro hopes this small risk will make a big impact on this years team.

Shapiro said the Indians put Pavano through a thorough medical exam, similar to the one they gave free-agent closer Kerry Wood before signing him. The Indians were impressed with Pavano’s strength and were encouraged by his final seven starts for the Yankees last season, when he went 4-2.

Pavano is 66-66 with a 4.23 ERA in 175 career starts for Montreal, Florida and New York. He had his best season in 2004, when he went 18-8 for the Marlins.

In other Indians news:

Indians DH/1B Travis Hanfer was cleared by Dr. James Andrews to start pre-hitting activities this week. Hafner is expected to begin hitting in mid-January.

Andrews performed arthroscopic surgery to clean out Hafner’s right shoulder joint on Oct. 14 in Alabama.

Rob Trautman

PrimeTime Sports/BlogTalk Radio