Comments on: Carl Pavano, man of destiny

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 15:01:33 +0000

Well, there will certainly be a lot of pressure on Pavano. I mean, this game really is going to make or break him in terms of everyone’s impression of him. If he goes out there and dominates, everyone will be talking about him. Likewise if he bombs, then it’s pretty much a career destroyer. That’s a lot of pressure. Maybe that’s a bit exadgerated but I think that while the season may not be at stake, his reputation certainly is.

As for me, I have a few pitchers on my fantasy team that are on 15-day DL so I grabbed Pavano for the time being. I have faith. I hope he goes out there and shows up everyone for all the negetive hipe and kicks some butt.

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 20:40:11 +0000

I for one would much rather have Pavano start on opening day that Hughes. The Hughes hype has gotten big enough already. Whatever anybody says about his “poise” or “makeup” he’s 20 (or 21?) years old. Maybe if he’d been lights-out this spring, but he wasn’t.

If Pavano sucks, well, he’s Pavano. It’s not like his stock could drop any further. If Hughes started and sucked, that would… well, suck.

By: Mike A,

Mike A, — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 16:14:35 +0000

It boils down to this: Carl Pavano is going to start Opening Day, whether you like it or not. He’s got a chance to erase all the negativity around him by pitching a great game, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he handles it.

I’d like to see Hughes start the game out of selfish reasons, but he’s not ready for it yet. If you asked me that last Sept, I’d have said he could handle it. Funny how a poor spring with change your mind.

By: Richard C

Richard C — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 16:01:37 +0000

Joseph.

You are doing your job, I get that. You are actually a good writer, I have always liked your stuff. I know “realism” is what you need to do. BUT….I am a loyal Yankee fan. I believe in my team. I believe in believing in people, Pavano included. Sometimes we talk about these players like they were livestock, racehorses. You say, “things don’t look good for him”!!?? You think so??!! He trained hard all winter, he had a decent ST, he is rich, dating a supermodel and he is pitching for the New York Yankees (my team) on opening day. It sounds like things are looking pretty well for him to me!
God Bless you Carl Pavano. Go out there and kick ass! I am rooting for you all the way.

By: Sooze

Sooze — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:38:26 +0000

Sometimes the Opening Day spot is given to a pitcher out of loyalty, rather than performance. That’s not the case with Pavano, but like Mike mentioned, until last season, Brad Radke was the Twins’ OD man – out of loyalty.

I think Pavano will have a great season. He’s had a lot of time to regroup and Torre seems impressed by his progress.

By: Joseph P.

Joseph P. — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:10:47 +0000

No, it’s definitely not in shambles, Mike. Pettitte should be starting on 4/5, unless something goes awry this week.

Stil, come on; you know you’d love Hughes to start that game.

By: Mike A,

Mike A, — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:56:33 +0000

In the grand scheme of things, your Opening Day pitcher likely won’t effect where the team finishes in the standings. Like Ben said, it’s more symbolic than anything – it’s a sign of respect and recognition for a guy who’s been there and done the job for you in the past.

The concept that your Opening Day starter is the team’s ace is very, very outdated. Johan Santana didn’t get his first OD start until last year, ditto Jake Peavy. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know they’re their team’s best arms.

The rotation isn’t in shambles like everyone thinks. Pavano and Igawa will be adequate, Pettitte will be back before long, and Moose is still Moose. Rasner – or whoever gets the #5 spot – will start about 2 game in April because of the schedule.

By: Ben

Ben — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:31:02 +0000

Here’s the thing. Who really gives a damn who pitches Opening Day? It’s symbolic nonsense. It’s still just one game out of 162.

By: Joseph P.

Joseph P. — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:20:35 +0000

Hey, I displayed my optimism in this piece. True, it was a bit tongue-in-cheek, but I’m also trying to maintain a level of realism. I wish Pavano well, too, but things just don’t look too good for him right now. If he pitches well, I’ll be the first to say “good game.”

By: Richard C

Richard C — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:16:17 +0000

Thanks for painting the most negative and pessimistic picture that anybody possibly could??!! I don’t care how negative you media guys get with this Pavano thing, I am looking forward to Opening Day and seeing my team play baseball. I am lookinng forward to seeing Carl Pavano pitch. I wish him the very best as a human being and as a Yankee player. I don’t give a rats ass what happened last year with him. It’s a new season, a new day.