Is Nathan Next?

[IFallsRon]

If he wants a no-trade, does that come at a lower salary?

[Dahitman44]

Wishful thinking, I Falls.

[CrappiesNCats]

 Originally Posted By: IFallsRon

If he wants a no-trade, does that come at a lower salary?

generally yes. but when worse closers get HUGE deals it still isnt going to put nathan within signable range. i hope it gets done though. i'm just not optimistic that Tweak will return next season

[Dahitman44]

Anyone else hear anything on Nathan?

[Dahitman44]

This is part of what Jim had to say in the STrib --

He is right on the money IMO.

• The team needs all the good publicity it can get heading into what could be a tough season, and signing Nathan would give them three big contracts of which to boast -- Morneau's, Cuddyer's and Nathan's.

My solution: Do what it takes to sign Nathan, even if it hurts, but don't give him a full no-trade clause. This way you preserve a valuable asset and withhold the right to deal him if necessary.

It's a risk, but so is assuming you'll be able to replace the best closer in Twins history.

One more reason the Twins should sign him:

It's not our money.

[Dahitman44]

Printed in the STrib --

Nathan update

Dave Pepe, the agent for Twins closer Joe Nathan, will be in Fort Myers again next week, but the sides have made no progress toward a contract extension since last month.

This is getting upsetting -- they need to sign him if for no other reason to have the chance to trade him down the road. The young kids need to have Nathan in the pen IMO.

[fishorgolf]

I agree 100%. They need to sign if for no other reason they can trade him in July if they are out of it and then they can get something for him.

[Willy]

If they are gonna waste money on Nathan, then they should have made a stronger push to sign Hunter and Johan.

Nathan is great, there is no arguing that, but IMO a good closer is not worth nearly as much as a starting centerfielder or ACE starter.

He will likely command a 4/60 contract. If you are gonna waste that type of money on a closer, then why couldn't you have offered Torri a 4th year, or Johan a 5ht?

I don't think you'll see the Twins pay him. I will bet he gets dealt at the deadline for a 3B prospect. I don't know where we get that, but 3B is and has been the biggest hole in Minnesota since Koskie left.

[IFallsRon]

Hunter and Johan were offered what they were worth. Their new teams overpaid.

I don't think that Nathan is an elete closer. Granted, a lot of teams would like to have him but he's just as likely to give up a lead as get a save.

And looking at the Twins starting staff on opening day, I can't see him getting enough save opportunities to be worth this year's salary.

[Willy]

Hunter was worth more than they offered him IMO. Johan I would have gone 5/100.

They might have been overpaid, but Nathan will also be overpaid.

That is my point. If they are gonna overpay a closer, why wouldn't they have overpayed guys that are a vital part of the team first? Not saying Nathan isn't important, but I don't think you'll see the Twins dump the money it takes into him either.

[Dahitman44]

Guys --

You need to see the big pic on this one -- Nathan IS considered the best or one of the top three closers in baseball. When you give him the ball you have a great shot at winning.

We also have one of the best pens in ball as well. Let them do the job they have now and we will be in great shape.

The kids in the rotation will learn and get better. Nothing like pitching a good game giving the ball to the pen and having a new closer that is not ready for the job blow it.

We need Natrhan.

Even Gardy said that and he normally does not say anything.

[fishorgolf]

Just make sure the contract does not have a no trade clause and you are protected in case you feel you really need to unload him. With no contract no team is going to give you what he is worth because he will be free to go anywhere next year. eg. Johan.

[Scott K]

But if you sign him to a, to high of a contract no team will want him either!

[fishorgolf]

When was the last time the twins signed anybody for more than market value?

[Scott K]

They shouldnt, and no one should! Only a couple do! So if them couple over pay, does that then make it market value?

[fishorgolf]

Only saying that if the twins sign him it will be for what other teams will be willing to pay to get him. In July when a team is so close they will pay for a top closer. Then the twins can pick up a top position player.

[tisosy11]

its likely nathan will be moved...especially if neshek can continue to dominate!

[Scott K]

I really wouldnt have a problem with that!But they better get a better deal then they got from the Mets!

[tisosy11]

Yea, no doubt. On paper the mets hosed us!

But who knows...on paper the giants hosed us too!

[Scott K]

Ya I know, we wont know for a few years! But for game ready talent, we got hosed!

[Dahitman44]

I don't know, but I think that gomez kid looks good.

[tisosy11]

span will probably take the job out of the gate hopefully we can fit gomez's speed in some places.

[Scott K]

Im sure Gomez will be good, but we dont need his sub .240 in the batting order. If he can learn to hit better, I think he will be a good kid. The fielding mistakes he has made, is just normal rookie mistakes, wich will improve with experience. But the poor ba is something that is hard to teach and improve on for some kids.

[tisosy11]

Yeah, we will have to be patient with all the young guns and players.

[Dahitman44]

I think you guys will be at least a little surprised.