On the eve of being released by the Yankees, Carl “American Idle” Pavano has hired his fourth agent since 2004. Tampa-based Tom O’Connell is the latest to represent the right-hander, who has cut ties with Casey Close, Scott Shapiro and Gregg Clifton.
Pavano, who will be let go this week to make room on the 40-man roster, but still will receive the final $12.95 million ($11 million for next year; $1.95 million buyout for 2009) of his contract, is likely to accept a minor-league contract and spend the season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow he underwent last June.
Pavano made the decision to employ O’Connell this past Friday after meeting with Brian Cashman at Yankee Stadium. The signing of Pavano to a four-year, $39.95 million deal prior to the 2005 season ranks among the biggest blunders in Yankee history. Pavano pitched in 19 games for the Yanks, went 5-6 spent more time in MRI tubes than on the mound.