After keeping Twins nation in constant anxiety for the last two weeks, Carl Pavano and his moustache have finally climbed on board for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press has reported that Minnesota and Pavano agreed to a two-year, $16.5 million.
In the process of signing, he turned down the likes of the Yankees, whom he serviced for four seasons; the Pirates, who were desperate to get their hands on any pitcher; and the Nationals, the silver medal winners in the Pavano Sign and Dash event in the Olympics.
"I'm excited," Pavano said after signing Wednesday night. "When you go through free agency, there's a lot of big decisions that you have. Obviously I couldn't walk away from the rapport I have with my teammates, the staff and the organization."
I'll tell you who else was excited: Twins' fans everywhere.
And do you know why?
Not only is it because they love Pavano and his facial hair; it's because he's has been the X factor in the rotation for the last 18 months.
Since coming over from Cleveland in the summer of '09, Pavano has paced the Twins with 22 victories, including 17 last season. His 3.75 ERA isn't too shabby, either.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the fact that he is one of the most durable men in the majors, completing seven contests by himself last year.
Assuming Pavano is the number one starter, the rotation is then completed with the likes of hard-throwing lefty Francisco Liriano, the consistent Scott Baker, the young and ready-to-go Brian Duensing, and the also durable Nick Blackburn.
That isn't a rotation you want to mess with.
The AL Central is set to be a frenzy come spring training, as the White Sox, Tigers, and of course the Twins look to be ultra competitive, while the Royals and Indians have taken the back seat in recent years and will once more this year.
You have to believe that this signing gives the Twins another reason to boost their confidence and try and snag that third consecutive AL Central crown.
The signing of Pavano is basically a fiesta for the Twins and their fans. Target Field's party will start when Carl Pavano and his 'stache walk in for at least two more seasons.
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