It Wouldn't Surprise Me

Tomorrow in Chicago the General Managers meeting will commence, and last until Wednesday. It is wondered if further instant replay will be discussed.

On the players front and the recent players that have already filed for Free Agency, it would not surprise me if the Mets take a serious look at one Carl Pavano.

Pavano's career seemed to be on the rise after an outstanding 2004 campaign, where he went 18-8 with a 3.00 ERA. From there, it has been down hill for the New Britain, CT native. He signed a four year $39.95 contract with the Yankees, which was a disaster. In 2005, his first year with the Yankees, he only made 17 starts, injured his shoulder, and was shut down for the remainder of the year.

In 2006 he bruised his buttocks in Spring Training, and didn't pitch on the pro level the entire season. In August of '06 he busted some ribs in a car accident, and neglected to inform his employers in a timely manner.

2007 was no better, where he injured his elbow and opted for Tommy John surgery.

He pitched in only seven games for the Yankees in 2008.

In 2009 he signed a contract with the Indians, where he went 9-8 with a 5.25 ERA before being traded to Minnesota. With the Twins he went a dismal 5-4 with a 5.66 ERA.

This brings me to our beloved Mets. It would not surprise me if the Mets dip their toe in the Carl Pavano puddle. He also might be worth taking a look. Give him the type of contract they gave Scott Erickson a few years back (2004); sign to an incentive laden minor league deal, with the opportunity to make the club out of Spring Training.

There is no inside information here, just a gut feeling, having followed this team for 37 years. Metsfan73 is in no way saying they will sign Pavano, I just think they will, at minimum, kick the tires. Speaking or Erickson, he was 0-1 with 7.88 ERA in two games before being released.

Just some food-for-thought during these quiet days of the off-season...

Sources: Wikipedia - Carl Pavano, Baseball Reference