Twins Name Pavano Opening Day Starter

The Twins named veteran Carl Pavano as their opening day starting pitcher April 1 at Toronto.  Pavano was 17-11 last season with the Twins and he signed a 2-year contract extension with the Twins in the off season.  Pavano is 35 years old and is coming off one of the best season in his career.  Twins catcher Joe Mauer is downplaying the lubricating shots he received recently in his left knee after having surgery on the knee in the off season.  Mauer is expected to receive a few more shots.  The Twins are expecting to play Mauer at catcher much this spring.