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This player’s name is the last one any New York Yankee player or fan wants to hear: Carl Pavano, also known in the Bronx as the “American Idle.” 

Let me put it this way, for those of you who thought Javier Vazquez was disliked in the Bronx, Pavano makes Vazquez the Yankees prom-king.

Truth remains that Pavano is the next free agent considered to be worthwhile behind Cliff Lee, for at least 29 MLB teams.

Here is my warning…PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

Most Yankees fans never saw Pavano on the mound. That is because he only pitched 26 games, with injuries all the way from his shoulder to his buttocks. Pavano had record of 9-8 while in pinstripes, so his option for a fourth year was never going to happen.

Pavano’s three years in the Yankees rotation turned into more like $39.95 million vacation.

Pavano left New York with the impression of a slacker, as ironically the minute he was out of Yankees uniform he preformed well again and injury-free.

In 2009, Pavano made 33 starts, 21 games as a Cleveland Indiana and 12 as a Minnesota Twin. Pavano threw 200 innings in total, 50 more innings than his three-year total in the Bronx. Pavano threw one shutout and one complete game in 2009, to go along with his 147 strikeouts.

To go from zero to hero in one offseason is all the proof that was needed.

This past season Pavano was the Twins ace, finishing with a 17-11 record, over 221 innings, striking out 117 batters and an ERA of 3.75. He spent a total of zero days on the DL for the second season in a row. Pavano also was named the Twins pitcher of the year for 2010.

Nothing is more cowardly than not trying, taking the easy way out. Pavano might be a rich man, but one who can’t walk around publicly in New York City. At least I would not advise it, nor would he want to run into me.

Whether or not Pavano says his elbow, shoulder, knee, ribs and ass injuries were all real became irrelevant by his actions. They told another story, of a pitcher Yankee fans never knew, and it happened in too short a time considering the extent of this man’s injuries.

Hopefully, Pavano is a changed athlete because of the weak market sans Lee he is sure to go for a much higher price in this offseason market.

At least I know one fact, Carl Pavano won’t be an overpaid Yankee and that is a sentence  rarely said about any player and the Bronx Bombers.

More of a reason—Yankees better offer Cliff Lee the moon, sun and Pavano’s ass to get him in pinstripes.

GM Brain Cashman says the Yankees don’t need Lee. I agree, it’s much more desperate than that, the Yankees will bleed Lee if necessary.

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So far the Detroit Tigers have locked up Brandon Inge and Jhonny Peralta. Yet there is still a boatload of money to be spent and several key positions it needs to be spent on. The following are who I believe the Tigers should target and why.

C/DH Victor Martinez

Martinez provides the Tigers with two of their needs. One, he is a switch hitter and two, he can play catcher. The Tigers need to add some pop and protection for Miguel Cabrera. Martinez is a professional hitter (.302, 20 HR, 79 RBI). V-Mart can also spell youngster Alex Avila when the Tigers face a LH pitcher. 

LF Carl Crawford (.307, 19HR, 90 RBI)

The Tigers have been talking about being aggressive and targeting some offensive help. Crawford helps solidify the outfield defense and his a track record of being able to hit for both average and power. He has tremendous speed, and has hit in the No. 3 spot for Tampa (also where I think he would hit for Detroit). While his home run numbers may drop in Detroit I think his triples would increase.

SP Carl Pavano (17-11, 3.75 ERA, 117K)

I really think Dave Dombrowski goes after Pavano to be the fifth starter in Detroit. I think management would love the No. 5 spot to be a left-hander, but Pavano would give the Tigers a reliable inning-eater at the back of the rotation (221 in 2010). DD tried to sign Pavano in 2005 and I think he succeeds this year.

RP J.J Putz (2.83 ERA, 54 innings, 65K) or Matt Guerrier (3.17 ERA, 71 innings, 42K)

The Tigers need a right-handed reliever and either of these pitchers would be a great addition. Putz would be a nice addition to Perry in the set-up or seventh-inning role. Guerrier has been a solid relief pitcher and would provide a reliable veteran presence in the pen.

RP Pedro Feliciano (3.30 ERA, 62.2 innings, 56K) or Scott Downs (2.64 ERA, 61.1 innings, 48K)

With the Tigers moving Phil Coke to the rotation there is a major need for a solid left-handed pitcher in the pen. Feliciano has put up solid numbers, but is more of a situational lefty, putting up much better numbers against left-handed hitters.

Downs has quietly been one of the most reliable and quality lefties in baseball. He is effective against both righties and lefties, which provides added value in Detroit.

I think the Tigers would like to sign five players to major league contracts. I expect at least 2-3 of the above players to end up signing in Detroit. I think if they were able to sign five they would place themselves in a position to be the favorites in the AL Central and would be able to make a serious run for a World Series title.

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I recently looked into who will be available in this year’s free agent class. There are many big names, but these names will likely come with expensive price tags. Additionally, many of these big name players are not so young anymore.

Whoever is in charge of making the decisions in Queens (which according to Jeff Wilpon we will find out shortly!), it might be a wise strategy to avoid these big-name free agents and either improve the team via trade or letting the young players develop.

Here are only some of the big-name free agents available and how the Mets should approach them this offseason.

Cliff Lee

Of all the free agents out there, Lee is the golden goose. His numbers don’t lie. This guy is at the top of his game and has proven he can be clutch in the postseason. Lee will likely get upwards of a six-year deal worth well over the $100 million mark.

As much as I and other Met fans would like to see Lee in Flushing, let’s be honest. It’s not going to happen.

Carl Crawford

Of the players available right now, no other player would more help the Mets win immediately than Carl Crawford. Crawford can do it all: hit for average, a little power, field, throw and boy can the man run.

He would be an ideal fit for Citi Field. Imagine a healthy Jose Reyes, Angel Pagan and Crawford (in no particular order) atop the Mets lineup. They would be deadly on the bases. Jason Bay would have to shift to RF if the Mets signed Crawford (don’t know how that would work out).

However, Mets fans, this seems like another deal that’s not going to happen. Crawford is about to cash in big like Lee, and the Amazins really aren’t in any position to be adding huge chunks of payroll.

And with Carlos Beltran still in house, the only way the Mets would make a play for Crawford is if they trade Beltran (seeming more unlikely each day).

Adam Dunn

In my opinion, Adam Dunn is the most consistent player in the game today. Every year, he hits 40 HR, drives in 100 runs, walks 100 times and strikes out 150 times. He is a legitimate power threat and even Citi Field cannot contain him (remember that shot he hit to the bridge?).

Dunn however is a one dimensional player. He may be better off suited to a DH role in the AL. The only reason I mention Dunn as a possibility is if the Mets trade Ike Davis for a starting pitcher, which would leave a hole at first base. I’m not saying I think or even want the Mets to do this, but I figured I would list it as a possible option.

Manny Ramirez

Oh Manny. Manny, Manny, Manny. You’re 38 now, when did that happen? It seemed like only yesterday you were crushing balls over the Green Monster and even orchestrating a late season playoff push in LA.

And now you’re a free agent again. I wonder how many teams will come knocking. I hope one of them is absolutely NOT the Mets. If this was three years ago, I’d say go for it. The man proved he could still hit like a machine despite his age. However, now is not the time to be adding Manny.

We have enough headaches as it is. Thank you K-Rod!

Victor Martinez

Ever since he came up with Cleveland, I have envisioned V-Mart on the Mets. He has serviceable (but not fantastic) catching skills, but is a terrific contact hitter with plenty of pop. It looks like the Red Sox will try to retain him in any way possible.

I like Josh Thole. He’s not going to hit home runs like Mike Piazza used to, but he can be an offensive weapon. He sprays the ball well to all fields, and has good gap power. He will most likely hit seventh or eighth.

V-Mart would be a great addition, but it looks like another deal that won’t happen.

Carl Pavano

Something should be noted about the free-agent market for starting pitchers. A guy has ONE good year, and everyone is ready to throw big bucks at him. Some examples: Gil Meche (five years, $55 million contract with KC), another one, and of course Oliver Perez (three years, $36 million…sorry I just threw up a little).

Pavano has had two good years his whole career: 2003 with the Marlins that allowed him to cash in with the Yankees, and now 2010 with the Twins in which he won 17 games.

He is a solid back of the rotation option, but the Mets should stay away from him and his stache. Who needs his stache when we got Keith Hernandez?

Orlando Hudson

The O-dawg has openly expressed his interest in wanting to play for the Mets (that can’t exactly be said for many players). I have touched on this possible signing in the past. He may be a good option on a one-year deal, but with Ruben Tejada on the verge of becoming an everyday player (hopefully), I’m not sure if the Mets will pull the trigger on Hudson.

So there you have it, some free agents who are available this winter that will garner much attention from many teams. But the Mets might be better off sitting tight, maybe making a trade or two to improve and hope that they can field a competitive team.

I may have missed a few free agents this year who may be on the Mets radar. Please comment on who you think may be a good signing that I missed.

For the Mets, it will come down to patience and hope. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again.

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Here lie your 2010 Minnesota Twins. April 5, 2010-October 9, 2010.

In a game that seemed inevitable, the Twins once again were swept out of the playoffs by the New York Yankees. This is the 12th straight home playoff loss for a franchise which used to flourish come October. The second longest such streak in history. Behind only the Boston Red Sox from 1980-1995 which lost 14 straight. I myself was at Target Field for both home games in the playoffs (and every playoff game since 2004). The atmosphere was great, and the crowd was optimistic for our chances against Derek Jeter and the hated Yanks. This was supposed to be our year. We were no longer the “little Twinks” who beat you with small ball and luck. We were a team sporting a new stadium, two MVP’s in the lineup and a former All-Star batting ninth. We had three, count them three closers in our bullpen with over 20 saves on the year. We had Jim Thome who hits baseballs farther then Happy Gilmore could hit a drive. We were primed for the postseason…

That’s until we got a look at those sexy pinstripes. As Christopher Walken so neatly put it in Catch Me if you Can: “Do you know why the Yankees always win the World Series? It’s because the other team can’t stop looking at the pinstripes.” And I think that’s what is happening here. The Twins were the best team in baseball since June turned over to July. Mauer had hit .379, Thome was putting dents in the flag pole in right field and the “Pavstache” was making girls drool all over the country. The Twins ran away from the White Sox and clinched the division earlier then any other team in baseball. And none of it made a difference once the Yankees showed up to Target Field last Wednesday.

Game 1 was the pivotal game here. Liriano was pitching great through five innings and had a 3-0 lead (thank you Michael Cuddyer). Then the wheels fell off. After giving up two runs already in the sixth, there were two men on for Curtis Granderson. Gardy decided to let Liriano pitch to Granderson. A triple later and the score was 4-3. I don’t blame Gardy to leave Liriano in at that point. Granderson was atrocious against lefties all season (to the tune of .234 on the season). Mijares could have come in and gotten him out, but I’m siding with Gardy on this one. Liriano is your best pitcher and best bet to get Granderson.

The game was lost in the next half inning however. The Twins loaded the bases and actually scored a run with a bases loaded walk. The next batter was retired, and the Twins left three men on base (a recurring theme in the three games). Of course, Crain comes in and leaves a hanging slider to Tex and the game is 6-4. Once No. 42 came trotting out the pen for the Yanks, game over.

Game 2 was a must win for the Twins. I wont spend much time on this because it is a week ago already. Pettitte was great. Berkman was great. Twins once again had no clutch hitting. And shockingly they lose 5-2. Ho hum. Better luck next year. Twins were not going to waltz into Yankee Stadium and win two games, then come home and win Game 5. And they didn’t. After a 6-1 loss to Phil Hughes, the season, which had such high hopes, was over.

Over the next week or so, I will go over what I think the Twins should do with their impending free agents, and who they might be able to acquire in free agency or through trades. This will be an interesting offseason, and the 2011 team will look quite different then the inaugural Target Field team.

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The Orioles will go into this offseason happier than any 90-plus loss team has in the history of baseball.

They might have ended the season with 96 losses, but they were 34-24 in August, September and October and under new skipper Buck Showalter, the young players that the organization was beginning to worry about, stopped the regression that was frustrating every fan in Baltimore.

Because of this recent play, general manager Andy MacPhail will almost certainly make a bigger splash in the free agent market this year.

Of the holes to fill, the Orioles would like a solid corner infielder–Josh Bell is not panning out like the organization thought he would–a power hitter and a inning-eating pitcher that can replace Kevin Millwood.

The Orioles would also like a shortstop to replace Cesar Izturiz, who is a liability at the plate, but the pickings are very slim.

Not on this list are the big names of Cliff Lee, Carl Crawford and Jason Werth because the Orioles would have to drastically over pay for these players and I don’t see any of those guys going from Playoff stud, to leader of a rebuilding club.

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For those who did not have the pleasure of watching Game Two of the ALDS between the Yankees and Twins, one of the biggest story lines was a controversial call in the seventh inning. With one out, two strikes, and Jorge Posada on first base, Carl Pavano threw a tailing fastball on the inside of the plate for what “should have” been strike three.

However, it was called a ball by home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt, and Berkman promptly hit the next pitch over Denard Span’s head into center for a double and an RBI, giving the Yankees a one-run lead late in the game. Berkman would later score on a Jeter single to go up 4-2. So overall, a big, game-changing mistake on the part of the umpire and another case for replay in baseball, right?

Wrong. Simply looking at this one at-bat does not tell the whole story of the game. Carl Pavano, and then later Kerry Wood, were getting called strikes that were clearly on the outside of the plate (Andy Pettitte was not seemingly getting these similar calls, presumably because he is a lefty. I have no idea). Throughout the game, I wasn’t counting, but Hunter Wendelstedt gave anywhere from 10-15 called strikes that should have been balls in that location. So, for him to call a ball on the inside edge of the plate does not necessarily represent a mistake, but rather represents where his strike zone had been all night in Game Two. Anybody who has played baseball knows that umpires are given this discretion on judgement calls like balls/strikes, and these expanded strike zones aren’t uncommon.

Lance Berkman recognized this, as seen in his post-game comments:

I mean, I felt like it was a ball. I had to swing at it, I had two strikes. It was a tough pitch. You know, I’ve had a lot of people ask me about it, and like it was right down the middle or something. That’s a very borderline pitch. Sometimes it gets called, sometimes it doesn’t. I felt like Hunter was very consistent all night with not giving anything inside. He was giving probably four to six inches off the outside corner, wasn’t giving anything over the inside corner. So that was the strike zone. And I mean, I have been punched out plenty on balls that I didn’t think were strikes, so what the heck. You know, if he had called it, I wouldn’t have been happy about it, but I wouldn’t have been shocked.

Either way, people are going to continue to talk about this as part of the instant replay debate. There are missed calls in baseball (e.g. Golson’s catch in Game One on Wednesday), but in this instance there was no bad call, just a consistent call in an expanded strike zone which is part of the game of baseball. 

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Breaking down the ALDS, part one I looked at pure statistical numbers of both the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins.

Part two, is what I see as the pros and cons, which both teams before heading into Game One on Wednesday evening.

What are each team’s pros and cons?

Minnesota Twins

Let’s state the obvious advantage for the Twins in having the home-field advantage, after posting 53-27 wins/losses at Target Field. Anything is better than having to start out in the Bronx for the Twins.

The Twins have been at New York’s mercy in both the regular and postseason forever. The chip on Minnesota’s shoulder can only make the players hungrier and the team should feed off this determination to win.  Add that to a more experienced Twins ball club, who are familiar specifically with this situation. This can only help in determining a strategy to finally get past the Yankees.

The Twins biggest downfall is that is all they do when playing the Yankees. Maybe watching game footage of the Tampa Bay Rays would get their confidence up, because the Twins are scared of the big, bad Yankees. If this doesn’t change the Twins should just wave the white flag now, as the Yankees will scorch any team who bows down to them.

New York Yankees

Please understand that being the guest is not a con for the Yankees, who have a 43-37 record on the road. The Yankees are either playing well or their not, no matter the stadium field they happen to be on.

On the season, the Yankees are 23-13 against AL Central teams and other then the Twins not much else goes on in the Central. Yes, the White Sox popped up for a few weeks but the Twins had little to worry about. The AL East teams do not have it as easy, as the division is so competitive and the Yankees and Rays were both beat-up down the stretch.

The Yankees bats hold the weight in this series, especially Alex Rodriguez who has personally demoralized the Twins. In the 128 games that A-Rod has faced the Twins in his career, he has a .322 batting average, with 115 RBI and 45 home runs. That is almost surreal and A-Rod is hitting well so expect a big series from him. Look for Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson to utilize their speedy legs on the basepaths.

The question of whether Robinson Cano can continue his dominant 2010 in the postseason will play a big part for the team. Cano has almost shutdown at the plate in past playoff appearances. Still, Cano is a different beast this season so look to see how the MVP candidate fares.

Everyone is talking about the Yankees pitching rotation, which would be incredible if CC Sabathia could pitch on a daily basis. See the Yankees have been sans Andy Pettitte for most of the second half; add that to an imploding AJ Burnett who’s issues run too deep to trust and Javier Vazquez’s demotion to the bullpen.

Vazquez came in on thin ice, and the Yankees did not take a chance with Javy, who could be very useful out of the pen if innings need to be eaten before getting to Mariano Rivera.

Summary

Pitching will be the biggest factor in who wins this series.

The only other starting pitching staff in question as much the Yankees is the Twins.

Fact is, Sabathia is a better ace than Francisca Liriano, who doesn’t throw a lot of strikes but can’t get ahead in the count enough to fan batters.

The Twins most consistent pitcher is Carl Pavano, who had some success last season against New York. Pavano will face Pettitte, who is the most successful postseason pitcher ever so it is wise to think Pettitte will be ready to go come Thursday night.

Looking at both bullpens, the Yankees are better with Wood, Joba, Robertson, and Mo.

The Twins can play baseball that is not the issue. It’s attitude and if that has not taken a complete 180-degree turn versus the Yankees they are doomed.

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The Minnesota Twins have clinched the AL Central and heading into the final week of the regular season they are likely to rest key players such as Jim Thome, Joe Mauer, and Michael Cuddyer.

A first round matchup with the New York Yankees is looking more and more likely with each Yankee loss and Tampa Bay win. 

Which team gives Minnesota the best chance to advance is a discussion for another time. The main focus here is going to be what the Twins need to do in the postseason to ensure they advance to the ALCS for the first time since 2002. 

Here we go…

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The Minnesota Twins clinched the American League Central earlier this week.  Every year, the Twins seem to make the playoffs even if they don’t have the best talent.

Joe Mauer is the best player and linchpin of this Twins team, but there are many other players you don’t know that are crucial to the success of this team.

Here are five players who need to have a big postseason for the Twins to have a shot at winning the World Series.

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Minnesota Twins fans have an unusual luxury that they have not enjoyed in quite some time.  Instead of sweating it out until the final week or final day of the season as to whether the Twins would get into the playoffs, Twins fans can sit back and enjoy some quiet time of reflection on the season.

In looking back at the season, one question that fans are going to argue and debate over their favorite beverage in the next few days is who was the most valuable player for the Minnesota Twins this year.

You can go with a pitcher or an everyday player and a compelling case can be made for your favorite player.

There is no easy answer to the question.

Several players put up good numbers worthy of most valuable player consideration.  However, no one player put up ridiculous numbers that makes the conversation pointless and no one player for the Minnesota Twins was consistent throughout the year. 

Below are the nine Twins that are most worthy for consideration as the Most Valuable Player for Minnesota.

Michael Cuddyer

Cuddyer is batting .272, with 14 homeruns and 77 RBIs on the season.  Cuddyer’s numbers are not eye-popping but if there has been a Twins player that has been consistent throughout the year it would have to be Cuddyer.  The real value Cuddyer has brought to the Twins is his flexibility and enthusiasm to play multiple positions throughout the season.  Cuddyer has played first base, second base, third base, right field and center field.  “He’s a warrior,” Denard Span said. “He epitomizes the Twins way. He just amazes me how night in and night out he’s ready to play, and he has the same energy level.”

Justin Morneau

The former American League Most Valuable Player appeared in the first half of the season to be ready to add another MVP trophy to his mantel.  Morneau was simply on fire before the all-star break with a .345 average, 18 homers, 56 RBIs, an on-base average of .437 and a slugging percentage of .618.   Justin almost single-handedly kept the Twins in the race during the first half of the season.  Unfortunately, Morneau has not been able to play since July 7 because he has been suffering concussion type symptoms. 

Jim Thome

The Big Man in the middle has provided the long ball threat that Twins needed to fill with Justin Morneau being unable to go during the second half of the season.  Thome’s titanic blats have drawn favorable comparisons to Harmon Killebrew who he passed on baseball’s all-time homerun list this summer.   In just 271 at-bats, Thome has 25 homeruns and 59 RBIs.   Jim has on-base average of .412 and a slugging percentage of .631.  In September when it was time to finish the White Sox, Thome stepped up his game batting .357 while hitting 7 homeruns and knocking in 14 RBIs.

Thome has also provided the classic veteran leadership that rubs off favorably on the young guys in a clubhouse.  Rookie Danny Valencia said of Thome that “he’s always prepared. I’ve never been around a guy who takes his job so seriously. I try to do what he does, because he’s been successful, and still is successful at what he’s doing.” 

Kevin Slowey

Slowey currently stands with a 13-6 record with a 4.18 earned run average.  Some will undoubtedly point to his slow start to the season and the fact he has given up 20 homeruns in 153 innings that he is not worthy but Slowey deserves some consideration for his control and what he has down the stretch of the season.  The most amazing statistic for Slowey is that he has 115 strikeouts to only 29 walks for a team leading strike out to walk ratio of 3.96.  Kevin is simply not going to give out free passes and beat himself.  Since the All-Star game, Slowey is 5-1 with a 3.38 earned run average.  Slowey also improved upon his strikeout to walk ratio in the second half of the season; he has 47 strikeouts against only 10 walks since the All-Star game.

Delmon Young

Many Twins fans felt that acquiring Young was a mistake and that the Twins should rectify the situation by trading Delmon as soon as possible for an arm that bolster the pitching staff.  Fortunately, the front office didn’t listen because Young put the Twins on his broad shoulders and carried the team during the month of July this year.   While some Twins fans will point to Delmon’s defense in the outfield as precluding him from being considered as the Twins most valuable player his numbers and importance to the team in July can’t be denied.  July was a critical month for the Twins as they lost Morneau and it would have been easy for the team to curl up in the fetal position without the big slugging first baseman.  No need, Delmon to the rescue.  In July, Young had 12 doubles, a triple, six homeruns, and knocked in 30 runs.  Young even had a stolen base.  Delmon also had a .434 batting average and a slugging percentage .736 in the month.  On the year, Delmon’s numbers are 18 homeruns, 105 runs batted in and a .299 batting average.

Carl Pavano

If there has been a workhorse for the Twins pitching staff it would have to be Carl Pavano.  Pavano’s ability to take the ball and go deep into games was very valuable to the team in that he gave the team an opportunity to rest the arms in the bullpen every fifth day consistently throughout the season.  Pavano has already pitched 210 innings in the season and tossed seven complete games.  In comparison, Twins starters Brian Duensing, Francisco Liriano, Kevin Slowey, Scott Baker, and Nick Blackburn between them only have two complete games.  In June and July, Pavano was nearly unhittable.   In June, Pavano limited opponents to a .186 batting average; and in July, Pavano limited opponents to a .235 batting average. On the year, Pavano is 17-11 with an earned run average of 3.60.

What is the secret weapon to Pavano’s success this year?  Pavano’s success has to be tied to the decision to go with his Mario Brothers’ mustache.

Brian Duensing

Duensing would be the lovable dark horse candidate to be the most valuable player on the team.  Duensing started the season in the bullpen and performed admirably in short relief with a 2-1 record, an earned run average of 1.62 and limiting opponents to only a .187 batting average.  When the Twins starters faltered during the days of summer, Duensing stepped up and took the ball and became a dominant starting pitcher.  Since the All-Star break, Duensing has been 8-1 in 11 starts with a complete game, compiled an earned run average of 2.48 while keep the opposition to a batting average of just .268.   The only drawback to Duensing’s claim to the MVP award is that he has only pitched 119 innings on the season.

Joe Mauer

It is difficult not to pencil in Mauer’s name as the Twins Most Valuable Player Award every year given that he will likely be on the short list for the American League Most Valuable Player Award for the rest of this decade.  Mauer’s numbers on the year are solid in that he is second in the league in batting with a .331 average, nine homeruns and 74 runs batted in.  Mauer “struggled” before the all-star break as he hit just .293.  Since the All-Star break, Mauer has a .383 batting average, a .459 on base percentage, and a .541 slugging percentage.  Mauer has also been Mr. Clutch for the Twins this year.  With runners in scoring position with two outs, Mauer is batting .391 with two homeruns and 24 runs batted in; further, his on-base percentage is .525 and his slugging percentage is .609 in those situations.  If Mauer had another five homeruns and 20 runs batted in on the season, the only question would be which player is the second most valuable player on the Twins.

Francisco Liriano – Team MVP

Yes, the knock on Liriano having a slow start to the season is legitimate.  However, when Francisco has been on his game he has been downright nasty and filthy as his team leading strike out total of 191 attests.   On the season, Liriano is a very solid 14-8 with an ERA of 3.44.   Since the All-Star break when the Twins made their big push to separate themselves from the Tigers and White Sox, Liriano has been crazy good with an 8-1 record and an ERA of 2.48.  Francisco has given Twins opponents little to hit in the second half holding opponents to just a .235 batting average.  The most impressive statistic for Liriano is that how rarely he gives the teams with the big bats an opportunity to change the game with a homerun, Franscisco has given up only five homeruns on the season.   In comparison, Duensing in 70 fewer innings has given up six more homeruns; Slowey and Pavano who have roughly pitched the same amount of innings have both given up more than 20 homeruns.

Liriano simply gives the Twins the best chance to win and has been rewarded by Manager Ron Gardenhire as the starting pitcher in the playoffs.  Why not also reward Liriano by awarding him the Minnesota Twins Most Valuable Player?

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