Monday, June 21, 2010

“Super Pavario” Outduels “Doc Halladay”

If that title doesn’t sound like either a comic book or a video game than I don’t know what would.

Sporting one of the fullest and creepiest moustaches I have ever seen, Carl Pavano pitched the Twins to a series win yesterday afternoon against the Philadelphia Phillies. Pavano went the distance, marking the second time he has done so this year. His line for the day included 1 run on 4 hits while walking none and striking out just 2. Pavano didn’t need many strikeouts as he claimed 14 of his 27 outs via ground balls.

Other than making him far less popular with the ladies, Pavano’s newfound facial hair has provided him with somewhat of a performance boost. Over his last 3 appearances vs. the Royals, Rockies and Phillies (the mustache first appeared prior to his outing against the Royals) Pavano is 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA in 24 IP with 3 walks and 8 strikeouts.

This is exactly what the Twins pictured when they avoided arbitration by inking the Super Mario lookalike to a 1-year $7MM deal last offseason. A solid veteran presence who can pitch late into games, induce a lot of ground balls, and win 12-15 ballgames with an ERA below 4.00. One thing is for sure, with the rumors swirling around about Minnesota being a possible destination for Cliff Lee, I would be extremely comfortable with a postseason rotation that includes Liriano, Lee, Pavano and more than likely Baker.

I would fully support the idea of the entire Twins roster growing moustaches. If they have the same effect on everybody as they did on Pavano, the Twins may begin to resemble the 1927 Yankees in terms of their on-field performance (as those moustaches clearly wouldn’t fit the “clean cut” dress code of the pinstripes).

One area that I have failed to write about yet this season, and I feel is being overlooked is the success of the leftfielder for our beloved Twins. Delmon Young has “quietly” been putting up some monster numbers this year out of the 7 spot in the lineup. Outside of Justin Morneau, who is having an MVP caliber season, the argument can be made that Delmon Young has been the Twins’ second best hitter this season.

I am not trying to make a case that Delmon Young is somehow a better hitter than Joe Mauer, because we all know that would be ridiculous and asinine. But in terms of numbers, Young currently not only has a higher batting average than Mr. Mauer, but has also driven in more runs, while also clobbering nearly 3 times as many homeruns. Young’s statistics through .306/.343/.502 with 8 HR and 43 RBI, and those 43 RBIs are second on the Twins only to Justin Morneau’s 47.

Another area that has also been overlooked is the number of “clutch hits” that Young has this season. He has, on multiple occasions, delivered a big hit for the Twinkies at just the right time, with his latest coming on Saturday afternoon vs. the Phillies when he singled in the top of the 11th inning to give the Twins an 11-10 lead they would not relinquish.
Although I believe his decreased playing weight this season (Young lost 35 pounds in the offseason) has given more speed, quickness and flexibility, I fully believe that Young’s emergence in 2010 has mostly to do with his age. People forget that young is merely 24 years old and yet is already playing in his 5th major league season. Most players by age 24 are either just reaching the majors or beginning their 2nd or 3rd years.
People were way too quick in writing off Young as a “bust” based on his first two seasons with the Twins. He is just now developing the plate discipline and baseball IQ necessary to be a star in this league, and I don’t see his 2010 numbers as a fluke. I fully expect Young to be one of our better players for the remainder of the year, and to be a staple in left field for the Twins in years to come.

The Twins’ “stretch of aces” continues this week as they are set to face Yovani Gallardo Thursday afternoon in Milwaukee and Johan Santana Saturday in New York. This stretch of interleague road games comes to an end Sunday in New York before the Twins return home for a fun 7 game home stand when they will face the Tigers for 3 before welcoming the Tampa Bay Rays for 4.

23 comments:

  1. Even though your goal is just to lose 5 pounds in a week, you should be strict with what you do so as not
    to inadvertently undo all your hard work for vegetarian weight loss.
    Cucumber contains sterols which can help to lower cholesterol and
    prevent carbohydrates from converting to body fat. Hence, broccoli
    is a must-add ingredient in your vegetarian weight loss diet.


    Check out my weblog - 5 kg abnehmen

    ReplyDelete
  2. Here is an explanation of the ten major poetic forms. Friendship Collection:
    a beautiful selection of friendship audio poems to share
    with your closest friends. Wedding poetry can be
    used during wedding toasts, and if you find the right balance, it can make a big difference.



    Here is my weblog; Helpful Resources

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kino has several editing features that give it an edge over NVRec
    including crossfading support, multiple color balance, and various
    transitions. All you have to do is select the movie from the Camera Roll and adjust the slider.
    Lack of contacts and financing can make producing great documentary films
    very difficult.

    my web blog: http://uniquecelticjewelry.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Break your 3 normal main meals into 5 smaller portion sizes - morning,
    snack, lunch, snack, dinner. Anyone who dares to
    make a closer inspection will find the underlying difference.
    Who does not need that little bit of elevation when trying to diet.



    Take a look at my homepage ... http://economyinsight.Co.kr

    ReplyDelete
  5. In the four tournaments since his first of the season, he.
    If you don’t have much skill in programming, but still think that creating and developing games is the most suitable for you, there are special courses that will give
    you training in graphic designing, game development, and computer animation.
    It fizzles as the lights go out, and she says it's been great talking to you.

    Feel free to visit my web blog :: www.sro-eo.ru

    ReplyDelete
  6. Online games are easier to enjoy because they
    offer more competition with more people. If you are going to use a Mac, the
    best choice is going to be an i - Mac or Mac Pro built with all
    the optimum specifications you are going to need. Producing quality video is not as
    easy as it looks.

    my page - Recommended Webpage

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is a small selection of great music I listen to, written from my own
    perspective as a fan and a user, with the aim of inspiring others to listen too.
    As we ate, not only did our waitress check back with us to see
    if we required anything further, but the manager
    stopped by as well. If we relate to the recession with fear, then it will close us down further.


    my page ... gpilethabwakgvj.tblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. clients, Rachel, who got back together with her ex. At the same time, web games
    seemed like the future of gaming, and we wanted
    to be a part of it. If you want to be able to hit the
    ball further and harder, you should keep in mind to keep your grip on the bat loose,
    your swing should begin with your legs and hips, and finally, you must always follow your bat through.


    Here is my webpage :: Www.Marcelwuest.Com

    ReplyDelete
  9. There are many free online games readily available for young kids, teens, as well as grown
    ups. Port forwarding lets you specify which ports the game needs
    to perform at it's best. It fizzles as the lights go out, and she says it's been great talking to you.



    Also visit my web page :: mouse click the up coming website page - www.me.gr

    ReplyDelete
  10. According to statistics, "Internet radio attracts an upper-income audience, with weekly Internet radio listeners 36% more likely to live in a household with annual income of $100K+ than the general US population 18+".
    If you want to know what folks are listening to and talking about on the opposite coast, Fly
    - Cast is terrific. This is a fantastic app for
    people who travel and it now supports multitasking.

    My webpage Sahelweb.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. a Bruce Lee workout includes stretching, bending, running, dipping, kicking, jumping, traditional muscle building exercises, weight
    lifting, rope skipping, medicine ball handling, etc.
    Cucumber contains sterols which can help to lower cholesterol and prevent carbohydrates from converting
    to body fat. Then leave it a while until your tummy lets you
    know that you're hungry again before opting for a healthy snack.

    Look into my web-site: armybasic.org

    ReplyDelete
  12. You don't have to hit the gym for two and three hours each day to lose weight, but it does help to squeeze in 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Cucumber contains sterols which can help to lower cholesterol and prevent carbohydrates from converting to body fat. Now, the average healthy amount people are supposed to lose is 2 pounds per week.

    Here is my homepage; http://www.5-10kgabnehmen.de

    ReplyDelete
  13. I understand that those are the products designed by manufacturers to make them money and if they are endorsed by winning popular
    professionals, sales will be high. Age Level - A good factor to write about is the appropriate age level for the video
    game that you are reviewing. Harry Potter Hogwarts
    is one more entry into this new series of LEGO board games.


    Here is my page chatsex.xxx

    ReplyDelete
  14. Around 150 games in total, but that's relatively small compared to our users. Finding good outsourcing companies is the key, as naturally you do not want to lower the quality of the service. It's fast to
    build and play and will challenge your memory.

    my web page: go back

    ReplyDelete
  15. Let's have a look at few of the things which will help you. If, you are from one of those who think the higher megapixel camera is best then you are surely mistaken. The software is Sony's "Picture Motion Browser" v 5.


    Here is my web page; Canoneos600D.de

    ReplyDelete
  16. Twitter Grader or Klout are generally examples of tools that
    can be used to instruct you by doing this. If you haven't already, go create a Twitter account today and starting Tweeting. - Its also a great idea to insert a bio about you, people do want to know who you are and what you like, remember this is social networking.

    Feel free to surf to my page; http://Jorgevdbi.blogs.experienceproject.com/1725188.Html

    ReplyDelete
  17. Even though your goal is just to lose 5 pounds in a
    week, you should be strict with what you do so as
    not to inadvertently undo all your hard work for vegetarian weight
    loss. Vinson had participants keep their normal diet and
    exercise routines (or lack thereof) and merely added the green coffee.
    Expect to lose all that extra flabbiness as you melt
    off all your unwanted fat.

    Also visit my web site ... Bufor.Org

    ReplyDelete
  18. Funny Or Die separates itself from other funny video clip hosting sites by
    the way it lets people rank the videos, get enough funny votes and the video
    will be immortalized get enough die votes and the video will be sent into the "crypt".
    If you are already experienced in internet radio hosting, the Blog - Talk - Radio Premium might be a hosting program you might want to pay for.
    Many think that having thoughts of supposed happiness that will
    never come is futile and that they are only giving false hopes to those who need them the most.


    my web page - www.online-radioportal.de

    ReplyDelete
  19. 0 megapixels, created-in flash, motion picture captured.

    The EOS 50D's body design allows the camera to fit perfectly in hands while taking even the most difficult shots. The software is Sony's "Picture Motion Browser"
    v 5.

    Have a look at my website ... internationaleyefoundation.blogspot.de

    ReplyDelete
  20. I understand that those are the products designed by manufacturers
    to make them money and if they are endorsed by
    winning popular professionals, sales will be high.

    All spaceship game leveling systems are designed slightly differently, but there
    are some general concepts that apply to
    all games in this genre. In this addictive puzzle game, catch that damn
    fly and avoid those tricky obstacles.

    My web site; visit the next website page

    ReplyDelete
  21. No longer does a music lover need to bother about traveling out of
    range when a fantastic song comes on over the vehicle radio.

    And once you have your own project that you want to promote, you must
    have considered the radio as one of the best alternatives
    to introduce your music to the crowds. Perfect for long trips and for up to
    date information on road conditions ahead.

    Here is my webpage - radio bob and tom

    ReplyDelete
  22. Believing that you are actually starving, it releases chemicals that actually make
    it harder to lose weight in an effort to conserve energy.
    It’s old news that tracking food intake could lead to losing a few pounds [2].

    Expect to lose all that extra flabbiness as you melt off all your unwanted fat.


    Also visit my site; simply click www.5-10kgabnehmen.de

    ReplyDelete
  23. It iis based on computer with electrographic sensor technology.
    However, every character in the game (even supporting players)
    should be presented in this same detail. The most unique thing about Ouya is that it is said to be "open" -- although what this means is up for interpretation.


    Also visit my web page virginia auto insurance

    ReplyDelete