My childhood friend Kelly tipped me off to this MLB.com story, “Pavano’s leadership shines through for Twins.” It turns out that, according to the article, the pitcher formerly known as “American Idle” is actually an elder statesman in Minnesota:
Pavano has proven to be a leader within the Twins clubhouse, using humor at times while also setting a tone for the pitching staff with his unstoppable work ethic. He’s worked hard to help create team chemistry, organizing team cookouts and dinners — even hosting a few at his own suburban Minneapolis home that sits on a lake.
The piece also features this eyebrow-raising quote from the crash test dummy:
“Getting an opportunity to be counted on again, that’s what it’s all about,” Pavano said. “You like that accountability. You like when you take the mound and your team feels like it has a great chance to win that day. It’s gratifying.”
Well, Pavano wasn’t anybody to count upon as a Yankee, that’s for sure. Did you know he pitched more innings as a Twin this year than he did in his four seasons as a Yankee? And he has 17 wins this year, to the 9 he had as a Bomber over four years? Sheesh.
That’s not the only positive Pavano article out there. Minnesota’s Star-Tribune has a column with this title, “Pavano has shown success on big stage.” Guess New York doesn’t count as the big stage anymore!
I’m not going to root for a particular team for the Yankees to face in the postseason. The last time I did that was 2006, when the Detroit Tigers stumbled down the stretch, only to be worldbeaters against the Yankees. But if the Yankees do face the Twins, whether in the ALDS or ALCS, I just want them to destroy Pavano. Last year, they did beat him, but Pavano hung pretty tough for the first six innings. Yes, I’m still bitter.
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