Newest Twin Pushes For Cy Young Award

By M. Haas

When the 1997 season was over, Livan Hernandez sat back and reflected on his rookie year. He had accomplished a lot with the Marlins - won nine games, finished second in the rookie of the year vote, and most importantly, helped the Fish miraculously win the World Series. At age 22, he had already won a championship, and winning two games of the series himself. So he set his sights on his next career goal: winning the Cy Young Award.

It's now 11 years later, and Livan Hernandez is at spring training with the Twins. Now 33 years old, the veteran has yet to win the award. He talked about his fresh approach to the game, and his adjustments he'll make to help him further dominate hitters and win the AL Cy Young:

"As a starting pitcher, you know you have a reliever, but you want to start and finish the game," Hernandez said. "I'm not the kind of guy who likes to throw five innings. I'm the one who sometimes gives the bullpen a rest. Sometimes it doesn't happen like that, I'm human. But I'm the kind of guy that's always working, working to stop it when I'm struggling."

Hernandez was surprised to learn the two time Cy Young award winner Johan Santana will not be around, and was in fact traded to the National League. He admitted it would be great if Johan were with the Twins, able to give him tips on winning the award. But with Johan in the National League, it does increase Livan's chances to win.

"It's difficult for me to come and change leagues," Hernandez said. "But sometimes it ends up being something better."