Pavano has been boon for Twins

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — 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-hander 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 on today.

“I can’t ask for much more than that,” said Pavano, who was acquired by Minnesota in August. “When I look back on it obviously things could have been a lot different, but it didn’t work out that way. But I feel like I am getting back to where I was before all those problems.”

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 after spending the stretch drive in that pressurized mode.

They knew about Pavano’s huge 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 hell out of the guy,” manager Ron Gardenhire said, chuckling at the trashing Pavano took in the city tabloids and by the New York fans through the duration of the $39.95 million, four-year deal.

Pavano won only nine games and made just 26 starts in that stretch.

This season, he went 14-12 over 33 starts combined for the Indians and Twins.

“I just know one thing. What he has meant to us and what he has helped us achieve here has been fantastic,” said Gardenhire, who had to patch together a rotation this summer with only two starters — Scott Baker and Nick Blackburn — who stayed healthy for the entire season.

This young group was lacking a veteran leader, and Pavano helped provide that. After failing to click with catcher Jose Morales the first time he threw to him, Pavano took time to sit with the rookie in the dugout during the next couple of games to discuss strategy.

“Those are the types of things you just can’t replace,” Gardenhire said.

Blackburn pitched strong into the sixth inning in Game 2, yielding only one run, but he reflected Saturday morning on New York’s “mentally exhausting lineup” — that endless supply of patient, confident, powerful hitters. He expressed faith, however, in Pavano’s ability to handle them.

“He’s going to know what they like to do,” Blackburn said. “He’s going to know where they like to hit in certain situations. He’s one of those guys who pays attention to every pitch. He’s always studying baseball. He’s always watching and trying to learn.”

Added Blackburn: “He’s a great guy to have on our team, and I’d love to see him back next year.”

That’s the opposite of the way the Yankees felt after last season.

Labeled “American Idle” on the back pages, Pavano had problems with his shoulder, his back, his shoulder again, and then his elbow. During rehab, he broke two ribs in a car accident and hid the injury from the team.