The Twins and Nationals are still vying for free agent righty Carl Pavano, tweets Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post. He suggests a decision could come later this week.
On December 15th, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports passed along one GM's word that Pavano sought a three-year deal worth $10-11MM per year. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe wrote yesterday that Pavano is holding out for three years.
Aside from the Twins and Nationals, Cafardo tossed the Rangers and possibly Mariners into the mix for Pavano. Rosenthal's column from a couple of weeks ago said the Rangers were "not on" Pavano, and their agreement with Brandon Webb probably solidified that stance.
So Pavano seems to have two serious suitors, and agent Tom O'Connell could have a problem if one of them makes a deal for Joe Blanton or even signs a remaining free agent on a one-year deal. My guess is that if Pavano received a three-year offer anywhere near $30MM, he would have taken it already. Teams may be comparing Pavano to Joel Pineiro, who was coming off a great 2009 but could only find a two-year deal from the Angels on January 22nd. But while Pineiro was coming off a lone strong season, Pavano was solid in '09 as well and has tallied 433 1/3 innings over 2009-10 including the postseason. Perhaps the spectre of Pavano's Yankees contract is still looming.
Let's get your take: will Pavano sign a three-year deal?
