Pavano, agent meet with the Twins
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By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Twins met with Carl Pavano and his agent, Tom O’Connell, on Tuesday afternoon during the second day of the Winter Meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort.
Pavano traveled from West Palm Beach to the Winter Meetings to meet with a total of four teams. O’Connell said that the meeting with the Twins was productive but that there is no hurry for his client to get a deal completed with any team.
“We’re being very methodical about this and we’re going to take our time,” O’Connell said. “We’re going to evaluate every opportunity before we make a decision.”
There has been mutual interest between the Twins and Pavano, and Twins general manager Bill Smith told reporters on Monday that he believes it’s still a possibility that Pavano could return to the club.
The Twins seem unlikely to join in a high bidding war for Pavano, who is believed to be seeking a three-year deal. But Smith indicated there are other reasons to think that the starter could possibly end up back in Minnesota.
“Players who have made lots of money in this game I think have maybe different priorities than younger players who may be getting the first crack at [free agency],” Smith said. “Where they play, the manager, the coaches, the teammates, the facilities, the living conditions, the travel, the fans, a winning atmosphere — I think there are a lot of factors that go though [a player’s mind] and I think veteran players weigh them differently than young players.”
Smith added, “I know that Carl Pavano loves playing in Minnesota. He’s enjoyed it over the last year and a half, and I think that’s a factor for him.”
Kelly's Corner 
What was the point in trading Jose Morales? I know that after this year he would not have had any minor league options left, but the guy is a pretty decent hitter. I believe that he is some where around the .270 mark for the majors. So his defense is a little skeptical, but why not teach him how to play first or third as a back-up.
I know that we got another single A pitcher in the deal, again how is that going to help us win now. The thing that the Twins organization over the years has prided itself on is the delevopment of players. Well last year all of the Twins affiliates had a terrible year and that might have to say something about the so called players in the farm systems.
Do you remember Torii Hunter, and Johan Santana? Two players who came up through the Twins Farm System and had very great years in Minnesota. The reason they left the Twins was because we weren’t willing to spend and we just keep calling up mediocre help or signing the old veteran that shouldn’t be playing anymore.
So the only reason we spent money last year was to trick Joe Mauer into signing a huge contract extension. Now it’s back to the old self.