Mets, Right-Hander Carl Pavano Have 'Mutual Interest'; Talks Are 'Very Preliminary'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The Mets have many holes on their roster heading into the 2013 season -- that much is clear.
Most of the criticism has centered on New York's outfield, which certainly needs to be upgraded. Lucas Duda, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Mike Baxter -- the starters if the season started tomorrow -- make up arguably the worst outfield in the majors.
But there is also a hole in the starting rotation now that 20-game winner R.A. Dickey is on the Blue Jays.
The Amazin's won't be able to replace a Cy Young Award winner, but they could certainly use another arm to bolster their staff.
So with some money to spend -- New York hasn't signed one major league free agent all offseason -- who are they looking to fill the void?
Right-hander Carl Pavano -- who is no stranger to the Big Apple -- is on the Mets' radar. The 36-year-old's agent told the Newark Star Ledger that there is "mutual interest" between both sides. However, talks are "very preliminary," the newspaper reported.
The Mets' starting rotation currently consists of Johan Santana, Jon Niese, Dillon Gee and Matt Harvey. If the Mets don't sign or trade for a clear-cut fifth starter, Jenrry Mejia, Jeremy Hefner and Collin McHugh will duke it out for the final spot.
Pavano, a 13-year veteran, pitched with the Yankees from 2005 to 2008. After signing a four-year, $39.95 million contract with the Bronx Bombers, Pavano had an ineffective and injury-prone tenure.
He missed the entire 2006 season, and in 26 total starts went 9-8 and never posted an ERA better than 4.70.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder struggled mightily for the Twins last season. In 11 starts, he went 2-5 with a 6.00 ERA. The 2004 All-Star allowed 80 hits and nine home runs in just 63 innings pitched.
Any interest, Mets fans? Sound off in the comments section below...
