Carl Pavano was placed on waivers today by the Yankees. The Yankees are satisfied that Pavano is completely healthy and are seeking to trade him to a contender who can use a veteran arm down the stretch.

Teams which could use Pavano include St. Louis, Milwaukee, Colorado and Philadelphia in the National League. Boston could be the only American League team which possibly could be interested, depending on the status of Josh Beckett. Although Tim Wakefield pitched effectively the other night (besides Baltimore who doesn’t against the Yankees?), his recent back injury, which caused a lengthy stint on the disabled list, could flare up at any time.

Pavano could possibly be a Type B free agent which would only bring the Yanks a supplemental pick in the 2009 draft. By trading Pavano, the Yankees could bring back a young, quality minor league position player, something their farm system desperately needs.

By ridding themselves of Pavano, the Yankees are likely to go with a young pitcher in the month of September, possibly Phil Hughes, who finally had a strong start last night at Triple A Scranton.

After a second straight dismal performance by Sidney Ponson, look for the Yankees to do the same thing with him and possibly give his spot to Ian Kennedy or Alfredo Aceves.

Waiving Pavano is a great mover for the Yankees pitching future. He wasn’t going to be part of the 2009 rotation, so it is better they give big league innings to a young pitcher.

Congratulations to the Yankees for reading my Pavano piece the other day and get things right.