Carl Pavano, a free-agent bust for the Yankees, will be a member of manager Eric Wedge's starting rotation on opening day if he can stay healthy in spring training.
The Indians signed Pavano on Tuesday to a one-year, $1.5 million incentive-laden contract. Last season Pavano, as part of a four-year, $40 million deal with the Yankees, made $11 million.

"If he's healthy, he'll be in the rotation," said GM Mark Shapiro. "And we expect him to be healthy."

Pavano can make another $5.3 million in performance incentives with the Tribe. They don't kick in until he's made 18 starts.

"I think we're getting him at the right time," said Shapiro. "He tried hard to justify his contract in New York, but obviously he had a tough go of it. I know he was disappointed. He expressed to us that he's extremely motivated and eager for a new start."

Shapiro wanted a veteran starter. Pavano, 33 on Thursday, could be it. He would fit nicely behind Cy Young winner Cliff Lee and former 19-game winner Fausto Carmona. Spring training will determine who fills the other two spots.

After signing free-agent closer Kerry Wood to a two-year, $20.5 million deal and taking on third baseman Mark DeRosa's $5.5 million salary in a trade with the Cubs, Shapiro didn't have much to spend on a starter. The Indians looked at several pitchers.

"With our limited resources we were looking for a veteran with upside," said Shapiro.

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer