Twins manager Ron Gardenhire has named starting pitcher Carl Pavano their Opening Day starter, according to Jon Heyman via Twitter. Pavano went 17-11 with a 3.75 ERA and 117 strike outs and a 1.19 WHIP in his first full season with the Twins.
Pavano will be followed up by pitcher Francisco Liriano, who posted 14 wins last season. Pavano's veteran leadership will become a huge asset to the starting rotation.