When Carl Pavano signed with the Cleveland Indians in 2009, his career was in shambles. His arm appeared shot and he was coming off a four year tenure with the New York Yankees that saw the right-hander make just 26 appearances from 2005-2008. With the help of the Tribe, Pavano turned that around. His numbers with the Indians weren't great - 9-8, 5.37 ERA - but he proved he was healthy once again. Healthy enough for the Minnesota Twins to trade for Pavano midway through the 2009 season.
Pavano spent that past 18 months with the Twins, helping them win the AL Central Division last year. In 44 starts with the Twins over that time, Pavano is 22-15 with an ERA around 4.25. The Twins rewarded Pavano with a 2-year, $16.5 million contract.
Pavano isn't the first Indians reclamation project. Kevin Millwood was in a similar situation - coming off arm trouble - when the Tribe in 2005. The results for Millwood, like Pavano, were positive as he led the Majors in ERA - 2.86 - and started 30 games. Millwood turned that one season into 4-year, $48 million contract from the Texas Rangers.
The moral of the story? If you are a big name pitcher with a balky arm and fledgling career, come pitch for the Indians!