It took a week, but a New York Yankee starter finally delivered a quality start and earned a victory.  Yes, it is possible to achieve both and it came from the most unlikely source.

Carl Pavano was brilliant (no, really) and the Yanks battered Sidney Ponson as the Bombers crushed the Minnesota Twins, 8-2, in the Metrodome.  This was the best team effort of the year (great starting pitching, explosive offense and good team defense) and it evens the Yanks record at 3-3.  It was also Pavano's first victory since 2005.

The Good:

Carl Pavano.  This is what the Yankees envisioned Pavano doing when they signed him to that four-year, $40 million contract in 2004.  Pavano threw strikes and was efficient (79 pitches over seven innings) in his second start of the year.  His totals were by far the best of the season from a starter: 7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 K, 0 BB.  His record now stands at 1-1.

Bobby Abreu.  Abreu's RBI single in the first helped give Pavano an early lead and his two-run blast in the second provided a sweet 5-0 cushion.  Abreu finished 3-5 with 4 RBIs on the night.

Alex Rodriguez.  A-Rod continued his offensive assault as he homered for the third straight day and now leads the bigs with five long-balls and 13 RBIs.  

The Bad:

I'm kinda nit-picking, but Melky Cabrera continues to slump.  He went 0-4 and nearly twisted his knee on a line drive double in the seventh.  

The Ugly:

Sidney Ponson's hair.  I really shouldn't rip a guy with hair since I lost that battle years ago, but he really needs to do something else with it.  It looks terrible and he's wearing a hat.  I can only imagine how ridiculous it looks when he gets all dolled up and hits the town.

Andy Pettitte will try and make it two strong starts in row Tuesday night (wow!) and will oppose second-year player Boof Bonser. 

It has happened before.

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