Twins Decline Nathan's option

[mrklean]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)—Right-hander Joe Nathan(notes) will get a $2 million buyout after the Minnesota Twins declined the club option on the closer for the 2012 season.

Twins general manager Bill Smith says he spoke with Nathan and his agent Tuesday and said the team was interested in re-signing Nathan. The option for 2012 was $12.5 million.

Smith says the Twins will stay in contact with Nathan and his agent as the team moves into the free-agent process.

Nathan converted 14 of 17 save opportunities this season and pitched 44.2 innings with an ERA of 4.84. The 36-year-old was acquired by Minnesota in 2003 in a trade with San Francisco that sent Francisco Liriano(notes) to the Twins.

[pinkfloyd4ever]

Just heard that too, obviously we can't bring him back at 12.5 mil. Hope he re-signs, but if not Perk can have a crack at closing. We have plenty of needs to address this offseason

[ted4887]

I would guess that he knew this was coming. He isn't going to get 12.5 mil anywhere. I would be very, VERY surprised if he didn't resign for less. Not sure what the dollar amount will be for him though.

[blue_healer_guy]

give him a 1yr deal for 4 mil.

[PierBridge]

give him a 1yr deal for 4 mil.

I heard Punto is on his way back too....

[ted4887]

At least Punto won't spend 3/4 of the season on DL like most of our other starters do.

[harvey lee]

The Twins have alot of rebuilding to do to even be a bit competitive next season.

I would say they have to sign Nathan. Seems he came into his own after his syrgery. Not much for good closer out there on the market for cheap.

The Twins have issues with both Morneau and Mauer and the rest seem to be questionable.

I would sign Nathan and go after a darn good starter.

My bet, Nathan will be gone.

[RumRiverRat]

He is mediocre at his best.......most of the time he is garbage.

Not worth 12.5 million.

He should play a year for free after robbing the Twins the last 2 years.

[PierBridge]

Sledneck would certainly agree with that Rum. A bit harsh but not to far off.

[blue_healer_guy]

you have a good memory pier, i do to. I smile after every worthless swing off his bat in the world series.

[Superduty]

Easy with the Punto bashing. Nick would have been the MVP of the 2011 Twins infield. The Twins simply do not have an infielder at any level of their organization that can field and hit (YES HIT!) at Nick Punto's level in the major leagues. Check the stats of these major league imposters (Casilla, Nishi, Plouffe, Valencia, Tolbert) A good defensive player like Punto with even a .220 average would have been a very welcome addition!

Nathan is as good or better than the rest of the Twins bullpen. He might not be the dominant closer of the past but I wouldn't completely rule it out. It usually takes 2 years to fully recover from Tommy John surgery. I would feel much better with Nathan coming in the game in the 7th or 8th inning than any of the 2011 setup men.

[blue_healer_guy]

i would take every one of those u listed over punto.

[Dylan33]

i would take every one of those u listed over punto.

seriously? You would rather have nishi's .190 average and HORRIBLE defense, than Punto's .220 and above average defense?

what am I missing?

[blue_healer_guy]

A 7yr or 10 or whatever it was of a baseball player with no talent, no concept of baseball knowledge and a contract that paid him 150 times of his worth. And a manager that loved it.

[PierBridge]

You fail MJ...

[zepman]

Too many closers out on the market this year...he'll sign back with the Twins for a reduced salary, yet still too much for his services. Sorry thing is...the Twins will need him next year...they have nothing in the "pen" right now.

[greebs]

I think Joe's best days are way behind him following the injury. He was not very good this year and with his age and confidence waning, I don't expect him to be anywhere near the top of the list of closers from here on out. It's too bad the injury had to occur, but he had himself a nice career.