With what we know now, I would've shelled out $1,000 to accompany savvy agent Scott Shapiro on the "Carlpalooza" tour, back in November and December 2004. I'd like to see not only Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, but also executives from the Red Sox, Tigers, Orioles and Mariners spend time with Pavano and conclude, "This is the guy we want!"
Because it took about 20 minutes at the outset of the 2005 Yankees spring training for many people to realize what a fraud this guy was. Forget about having no interest in speaking with the media; believe it or not, most of us are mature enough to handle that. It was that Pavano didn't seem engaged in anything he did, most of all pitching. In Newsday's 2005 baseball preview section, I predicted Richard Hidalgo to be the American League Most Valuable Player _ and thanks to all who remember that _ yet as dim as I was (and probably still am), I tabbed Pavano as the AL bust, so evident was Pavano's path toward disaster.
Cashman can say that all of Pavano's injuries have been legitimate. Most, if not all, of his teammates would counter: "We all have stuff. We're professional athletes. But we tough it out." At best, Pavano is guilty of a low pain tolerance.
At worst, Pavano has executed a historic heist, making 19 appearances in a four-year span, earning legendary status for doing everything but pitching. Whether it was firing Shapiro (for not getting him a $40-million package, even though the four other clubs offered him that), loudly dumping his fiancee in a late-night argument that was the talk of his Manhattan apartment building or bringing his golf clubs on the road (disrespecting a Joe Torre rule that even Roger Clemens followed), Pavano displayed immaturity with each turn.
That's why few people besides Cashman have given Pavano the benefit of the doubt. Because Pavano seems like the kind of guy who would opt for Tommy John surgery over trying to pitch, just to shirk responsibility. It sounds sick, yes. But it sounds like Pavano.
So feel no sympathy for young Mr. Pavano. Instead, wonder how the Yankees' decision-makers were duped, even after spending a Manhattan Saturday night at dinner and a play with him. And if you ever need an agent, it seems like Scott Shapiro is a pretty good salesman.
Comments (2)
You may want to dig a little more into the Carl Pavano story. Carl fired Scott Shapiro as well as numerous other agents over the last few years. Shapiro is a local South Florida attorney and not a sports agent per say. Think there may be a nice story there because there was a lawsuit from the case.
Good post Ken.