Carl

Pavano

We know Pavano won’t be a Marlin next year, so we hate to see the team take chances with him now that they’re out of the race and 20 wins is no longer within reach.

Yikes. A lot would have to happen here, as in Pavano winning tonight vs. the Braves, plus in his next start, to give him a chance at 20 wins on the season’s final day. Still, this late-season overuse without a real chance at a playoff berth may be a clue that the Marlins don’t intend to re-sign Pavano in free agency.

A three-year proposal is believed to be forthcoming. All things being equal, it’s clear that Pavano would prefer to stay in Florida. Other teams will make him better offers, though, and the chances of him remaining a Marlin don’t look good.

They must be more worried about the Mike Lowell and stadium situations. According to the Palm Beach Post, there were indications that the Marlins were preparing a three-year proposal to Pavano. Benitez also figures to receive an offer, but he probably won’t be back.

Pavano doesn’t sound very interested in accepting a lesser deal to stay in Florida, and there’s next to no chance that the Marlins will present him with the best offer on the table. He’s likely to end up with a large-market team.

Assuming it’s ever finalized. Since it’s the Yankees, Pavano will get $9,987,500 per season instead of $10 million. Because the Yankees don’t drive up the market. Just ask them.

That will happen later on. After a tour of Fenway Park, Pavano had dinner at Curt Schilling’s home yesterday. “Carl was very happy to spend some time with [Red Sox GM Theo Epstein and manager Terry Francona],” agent Scott Shapiro said. “He has a lot of respect for Schill, and he was very impressed with Boston as a first-class organization.”

“In the beginning, I wasn’t sure how I would feel,” Pavano said. “But as I’ve gone through it, I’ve gained the confidence that I can pitch in those places, that I can help those teams win.” The Red Sox appear to be the slight favorites for Pavano at the moment, but he’s scheduled to meet with several teams. The Mariners shouldn’t be counted out.

Boston’s turn might come today. The New York Post is reporting a rumor that Pavano will end up staying with the Marlins on a four-year, $32 million contract. “That’s news to me.” agent Scott Shapiro said.

It’s still believed that the Tigers did submit an offer, probably one of four years in length. It may not be worth $40 million, but the Tigers could eventually go that high in their attempt to sign him. With his meeting with Detroit over, Pavano is now en route to New York to visit with the Yankees. Trips to Baltimore, Seattle and Anaheim are still to come.