Carl Pavano’s line from last night’s start in Baltimore reads: 5 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 HBP, 5 K’s. His game, and thus season, ERA stands at 5.40, with his WHIP at 2.000.

Would you want these numbers for even your #5 starter? What if Ian Kennedy (or Phil Hughes) put up those numbers and the Yankees offense scored only three runs? Kennedy’s and Hughes’ performance  would not be considered good at all.

On the surface, Pavano’s performance was OK because A) he finally started another game for the Yankees  the Yankees won and C) he did not get hurt.

Besides the above pitching line, Pavano DID show the Yankees (and the other major laegue teams looking for pitching help next year) some good signs.

His off speed pitches had many of the Orioles chasing pitches early, and when the Orioles began looking for the junk, Pavano (more likely Pudge) adjusted and began throwing more fastballs. His fastball, however, did not top more than 90 MPH and was consistently 86-88. Not that speed is an indicator of anything, because Pavano had nice movement of his pitches, especially the late breaking curve.

Pavano put too many men on base but when in trouble, he was able to make the necessary pitch. He consistently threw the fastball inside with men on base which got him that big double play in the top of the first.

He still allowed too many baserunners. Taking too many chances with many baserunners will eventually come back to haunt a pitcher and having a WHIP of 2.000 for the game and and ERA of 5.40 doesn’t translate to a good start.

But, the Yankees won the game and Pavano escaped injury free. He will get another couple starts, and is feeling no ill effects from the TJS he had last year.  Fans shouldn’t enter the return of Carl Pavano hype, however, since many other pitchers have come back from TJS this year too, like Chris Carpenter of the Cardinals, BJ Ryan of the Blue Jays and Francisco Liriano of the Twins. And several hundred before them, too.

The Yankees won last night’s game due to some timely hitting and a lockdown performance by the bullpen (4 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, O BB, 4 K’s). Pavano’s performance was good enough for the victory, but unless the Yankee bats awaken from their deep slumber for the remainder of the year - a WHIP of 2.000 and an ERA of 5.40 per Pavano start will not win many games down the stretch.