Dec 11, 2007 10:17 pm US/Eastern
Yankees Ask Pavano To Take Minor League Contract
Injured Right-Hander Likely Will Not Be Available In 2008
NEW YORK (AP) ―
Carl Pavano was asked by the New York Yankees to accept a minor league contract and come off their big league roster.
A $39.95 million bust since signing with the Yankees as a free agent before the 2005 season, Pavano had rotator cuff surgery June 5. New York is not counting on him to be available next year.
"Right now we're just having preliminary conversations," Pavano's new agent, Tom O'Connell, said Tuesday. "Carl is contemplating possibly accepting a minor league contract if they choose to release him. At this point, neither the Yankees or Carl have come to any decisions."
Hampered by shoulder, back, elbow and rib injuries, Pavano went 5-6 in 19 starts with the Yankees, including 1-0 with a 4.76 ERA in two starts this year.
"He's having solid success right now with his rehab," O'Connell said. "I'd say there is realistic possibility he could be back on a major league mound by sometime middle of the summer."
O'Connell said a minor league deal could be harmful.
"You're giving up your major league rights under the collective bargaining agreement if you sign a minor league contract," he said. "There's a lot of advantages from being on a major league roster as opposed to being on a minor league roster."
New York has a crunch for spaces on its 40-man roster. First baseman Andy Phillips refused a minor league assignment and became a free agent, and outfielder Bronson Sardinha was designated for assignment. Their spots were taken by backup catcher Jose Molina and pitcher Andy Pettitte.
Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera and LaTroy Hawkins have agreed to deals that have yet to be finalized.
Pavano is owed $12.95 million -- $11 million next year and a $1.95 million buyout of the team's 2009 option.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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