Individual Player Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide 2009 - Pitcher: Carl Pavano

The smartest thing Carl Pavano could have done to resurrect his career was sign with the Cleveland Indians. With coaches that have produced the AL's last two Cy Young award winners and developed young arms like Fausto Carmona, Pavano couldn't have landed in a better place to regain confidence.

Beset with injuries over the last four years, Pavano has been a bust for the New York Yankees. The Indians offer him a great opportunity to reestablish a career that was filled with promise before being beset by injuries. The 33yr old signed an incentive laden contract that pushes him to work hard and will reward him with options at season's end.

Unfortunately, his highest win total as a starter was 18 in 2004 and before that he consistently posted more losses than wins if you don't count the 12 he got in 2003. He is a long way from those totals now, but if he is healthy, this could be his opportunity to be the comeback player of the year.

There are so many unknowns with Carl Pavano, fantasy owners would do best if they didn't attempt to draft until the final rounds. But, the Indians claim he is strong and fit and gives them a good chance to compete as their third starter. History is on Pavano's side though, considering the success the Indians had with a similar deal they gave to oft-injured Kevin Millwood. Regardless, the bats of the Indians are good enough to get him 3 wins despite how he performs.