[ThePundit]

In today's Newsday Jon Heyman writes:

"The $39.95-million enigma has reported an assortment of physical ailments since signing and doesn't always give the impression he's anxious to get back to work. The other day he was heard to mutter, "I can't believe I get paid for this -- ," and not in an unhappy way."

Quoting a Scout. "He would have been a 1st or 2nd round pick if his makeup was better." Pavano was selected in the 13th round.

Heyman has great sources and he is always pretty accurate so I tend to believe this. What do we think Yankee fans? Do we have another Kenny Rogers on our hands?

[Vladman]

I was sitting front row at the old Olympic Stadium when Pavano took the hill for the first time in his career. He was up against Curt Shilling and the Phillies. He pitched a hell of a game. I turned to my father and said "he's got the stuff, he's got the presence, he's got the command". My dad looked at me, years of heartbreaking Expos seasons still fresh in his mind, and said "yeah, but does he love the game." It appears that sometimes he does, and sometimes he doesn't, which in my books, means he doesn't. He proved to be clutch in the world series, but you can't just pitch when it "matters". It is a grueling 162 game season where nothing is garenteed. You need to make every one of your starts matter. Heading into NY, I thought he might, but, you just don't know with this guy. He needs some kind of wake up call. He is the REASON why teams need coaches. Pitching coaches, and head coaches must have that ability to motivate their players, and get them to reach their personal heights of performance. I know we think that these guys are old enough and make enough money to be motivated, but as a baseball coach myself, I know that sometimes the "stars" are the ones who will require the most work.

[legend]

You had better believe that Pavano is the next Ed Whitson!