A good routine to be in

Carl Pavano pitched 7 innings, allowing just 4 hits in just the sort of commanding performance that the Twins need out of the former Yankee.

Jim Thome provided the Twins lineup with a dependable at-bat every time he stepped to the plate.

The Twins lineup, deep as it is, pecked away at an opposing pitcher, fouling off pitches and getting on base and manufacturing runs. They took advantage of opportunities and made the most out of an extra out given.

And the improved defensive core once again turned in a perfect performance, although that depends on who you ask.

This is the storyline from Friday night, and I think it probably is a storyline that will be used again and again and again this season.

If this early start has proven anything, it's that the Twins, who went without their everyday left fielder (Delmon Young) and everyday third baseman (Nick Punto) Friday night, are deep enough to continue their winning formula no matter who plays. And it's become especially true with the success of the Twins' starting rotation. Pavano has been solid through four starts. Even with his sub-par performance Sunday, Pavano has a 4.24 ERA and a spectacular 17/1 K/BB ratio.

I'll wait for you to pick your jaw up off the floor. Yes, 17.00 K/BB ratio. Small sample size, indeed, but it is nonetheless unreal.

It's scary to think this team is going to get better, but really, they are. Manager Ron Gardenhire is still looking for the best way to mix Thome, Kubel, and Young in the lineup, and he might have struck gold when he built Thome into the lineup against the vulnerable Gil Meche. Delmon Young provides a strong bat against lefties, which makes a nice counter-balance. But eventually Gardy and company will have to find a consistent solution.

Calling Nick Punto an offensive upgrade is usually done at one's own peril. But with Brendan Harris batting .172 Punto did have a hotter bat than Harris does currently (.172), but he doesn't have nearly the patient eye that Brendan is showing at the plate. Harris has walked seven times already this year and has an on-base percent of .324. Again, small sample, but right now Harris has been adequate as a #9 hitter, even if it wasn't apparent Friday.

It is probably still too early to tell for sure, but if this rotation stays intact and healthy, I could see the Twins winning 100 games. I guess we'll find out how likely that actually is once Minnesota plays New York, but right now, the Twinkies are rolling and have so far steamrolled through anybody who has gotten in their way.