Yankees Decline Options on Pavano and Giambi

The Carl Pavano era is over in the Bronx, or is it? Yesterday, the Yankees declined their option on Pavano’s contract making him a free agent. Over his four years with the Yankees, Pavano spent more time on the DL than in the Bronx and he leaves New York $40 million richer in exchange for nine wins and 146 innings. If Cashman tries to bring him back, they both should be run out of town.

New York also declined their option on Jason Giambi. That doesn’t necessarily mean Jason has played his last game as a Yankee, the option was for $22 million, but it isn’t likely they bring him back. Giambi had an interesting stay in New York, hitting plenty of home runs, but also becoming embroiled in the steroids scandal. To his credit, Giambi admitted what he did and the fans embraced him again. At 37, it is probably best to let him go elsewhere.

Photo of Carl Pavano by the AP

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Peter Trinkle in News on November 5, 2008 5:27 PM

Comments [rss]

HUGO_MEGO

Pavano's 9 wins in 4 years cost the Yankees $40 million.

Wza

Haha Pavano...that's all I gotta say.

blablanyc

Good riddance.

NannyState

Septic as in tank as in Yanks.

Kevin Walsh

When the Yanks picked up high-priced Jason Giambi and A-Rod, the championships stopped coming, though they stayed in contention and the post-season money kept rolling in.

So, the plan this off-season is to ... spend, spend, spend on CC, Teixeira, Derek Lowe or all three.

The Red Sox, Rays and Phils all built from within, with savvy draft picks and trades (anyone remember who the Sox sent the Twins for Ortiz?) and the occasional free-agent signing to address needs.

That route might take the Yanks out of contention for a few years (as they were in the early 90s, when Bernie, Jeter, Rivera et al arrived.)

The Steinbrenners aren't patient enough to do it that way, but teams put together totally with free agent signings generally don't go all the way.

www.forgotten-ny.com

r1b2

Giambi has earned a lot of respect. Yeah, he used steroids and we all wish he hadn't, but unlike his contemporaries, he had the stones to fess up. And then went on to play well. And he grew a helluva 'stache. I'm a Mets fan (yes, pity me) but I love Giambi.

drewo

November's dark days -- baseball is so far away. Thanks for the scraps to keep the fire burning.

HUGO_MEGO

Yes how is this news on Gothamist? It doesn't have a neo-lib spin and it doesn't have any Palin bashing whatsoever. WTF is going on?

EricGewiz

Really? How is this surprising and/or news?

They're going to make a push for Teixeira anyway, even if he may be happy in Southern California.