MINNEAPOLIS — Carl Pavano called those four injury-riddled, tension-filled seasons in New York a “black period” in his career.
Considering the size of his contract and his complete lack of production, Pavano in pinstripes became one of the biggest free-agent busts in baseball history.
The right-handed pitcher has started to correct that wrong turn this year with a decent performance for Cleveland and Minnesota, finding himself in the playoffs with an opportunity to further frustrate the Yankees — if he can win Game 3 for the Twins today at the Metrodome.
“I can’t ask for much more than that,” said Pavano, who was acquired by Minnesota in August.
Down 2-0 in the best-of-five division series after a devastating 11-inning defeat at Yankee Stadium on Friday, the Twins are in yet another must-win situation.
The Twins knew about Pavano’s struggles to stay healthy and the trouble he had finding friends in the clubhouse during all that time spent on the disabled list. In two months, though, Pavano has had no problem fitting in with the Twins.
“We’re just a Minnesota-nice group, and we like the guy,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said, chuckling at the trashing Pavano took in New York.
Division series
Best of five; all games on TBS; * if necessary
DODGERS VS. CARDINALS: Dodgers win series 3-0
Wednesday: Los Angeles 5, St. Louis 3
Thursday: Los Angeles 3, St. Louis 2
Saturday: Los Angeles 5, St. Louis 1
YANKEES VS. TWINS: Yankees lead series 2-0
Wednesday: New York 7, Minnesota 2
Friday: New York 4, Minnesota 3 (11)
Today: New York (Pettitte 14-8) at Minnesota (Pavano 14-12), 5:07 pm.
*Monday: New York (Sabathia 19-8) at Minnesota (S.Baker 15-9), 3:07 p.m.
*Wed.: Minn. at N.Y., 4:07 p.m. or 6:07 p.m.
ANGELS VS. RED SOX: Angels lead series 2-0
Thursday: Los Angeles 5, Boston 0
Friday: Los Angeles 4, Boston 1
Today: Los Angeles (Kazmir 10-9) at Boston (Buchholz 7-4), 10:07 a.m.
*Monday: Los Angeles (Saunders 16-7) at Boston (Lester 15-8), 6:37 p.m.
*Wed.: Boston at L.A., 6:07 p.m. or 7:37 p.m.
