Is Nathan Next?

[Scott K]

 Originally Posted By: Dahitman44

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

Hitman, I am hoping they supprise me. I like young teams, you never know what is going to become of them. We have potential this year to compete, but we just need our pictures to be consistant.

[tisosy11]

We are always surprised with the Twinks!

[IFallsRon]

Sounds like there's negotiations today, according to LN3.

[Scott K]

A source told ESPN's Buster Olney that the Twins and Joe Nathan have all but finalized a four-year deal worth $11 million-$12 million per season.

It might be worth it for a large-market team. For the Twins to spend 15 percent of their budget on guy pitching five percent of the team's innings is simply a ridiculous move. They should have traded and used the money to help upgrade two or three more important spots. Mar. 22 - 1:59 pm et

Source: ESPN Insider

[knoppers]

good move by the twins, we needed nathen to a long term contract. I just hope he signs.

[Bluegill1510]

I disagree heartidly, this club needs to hold onto Nathan and he is worth that kind of money. We need to hold onto a SOLID closer, because if you don't remember before we got Nathan in the Przyinski trade, we had "everyday" I blew a save Eddie. Plus why break up the Twins Bullpen...its honestly the best feature of the team that is intact, and having a solid closure at the end of that bullpen for those close ones is essential. Everyone thinks this team is in disaray and won't amount to much, but we will be ok, and probably have the best offensive team we have had in years! The starting pitching isn't going to be what it was the last few seasons, but I guess that is expected with a younger rotation and I just know Gardy and Anderson will prepare and get these younger pitchers better so they can contribute positively in wins, maybe not right away but it takes time. Look at yourselves when you started a new job and didn't have a clue on what the heck was going on or what to do, and in time you got the handle of things, while working at it, well its a same for a rookie major league baseball player.

[mrklean]

There gonna trade him half way only if Pat is what he can be then they will trade him for some type of bat. Then if i was them i would sign Bonds right now, im a Bonds fan for life roids or no roids.

[mike morris]

 Originally Posted By: mrklean

There gonna trade him half way only if Pat is what he can be then they will trade him for some type of bat. Then if i was them i would sign Bonds right now, im a Bonds fan for life roids or no roids.

Disagree with both statements. If they sign Nathan to 4 years, why in the world why they even think about trading him? Now if the signing falls through for some reason, then the Twins will probably trade him.

And the Twins have had a good reputation in the clubhouse. They do not need the distractions that come with Barry Bonds. Besides, his skills are declining fast. Definitely not worth the money, bad publicity, and declining skills.

[blue_healer_guy]

The reason the twins should/would sign nathan to this contract is simple. At the trading deadline in the next 3-4 years, not much of a contract for the Yanks/Sox to pick up and the twins can get some value for him at that time.

[mike morris]

In the next 3-4 years, possibly. But definitely not next year.

[bassNspear]

i was watching the news tonight, and when they had the twins on for sports, they were talking that its going to be soon before Nathan gets a new deal with the twins. So it sounds like there going to get him a deal to stay with us.

[Dahitman44]

The MN Twins HSOforum said a deal would be done today -- 4 years. I guess they should know it is their site?

[Scott K]

Good! I like Nathan. He is somewhat the back bone to our bullpen. They need a good closer to hold any leads are young guys bring to the bullpen.

[gonefishin11]

Supposed to be 4 years at 11 or 12 million a year...

IMO, he could still be a deadline deal in the next year or two. If the Twins got the right price, a good, young starter and an outfielder, I bet they would ship him.

[Dahitman44]

I would too -- for some GREAT not good young players.

Still need a 3B down the line.

[Hester]

I know we all wanted Nathen to stay here, mainly cause he is one heck of a closer. But I don't quite understand why they would sign him now. If your going to let Santana and Hunter go, they are kind of admitting to put the young guys in and build for the future. By building for the future I mean, like 2 or 3 years down the road. Tying up all that money on a closer for a team that will be lucky to be within 5 games of .500 does not make sense to me. To me it makes sense to pay that to another good starting pitcher or add a couple million and give it to HUNTER. Or give half to an ok starter and half to an ok center fielder. By doing this you would have more of a chance to make a run in the future and now. So yeah we may only have 1 guy bat over .300 and we may have only one pitcher with 14+ wins this year but at least we have a closer for when we actually score 4 runs in a game and hold the opposition to 2 or 3.

Hester

[Scott K]

I think the Twins will do better then you think this year! I think they will compete for the wild card. With out Nathan, They may not. I think the Twins will have a strong second half of the season. We have power, we have speed, we have alot of young pictures that have question marks, but we have alot of them to try, and if we get the right combination of them, we may be good!

[Dahitman44]

Jester --

Is your real name "Common?"

[Hester]

No, but the negativity in this town does suck.

Actually I have been unable to listen to Commmon for a

couple years now due to my new job.

But now that you mention it, that would be a little

common like.

And just for the record, i am against the stadium.

Hester

[Caesarfishinguytoo]

ESPN last night was questioning the move -- their arguement was why pay this guy so much money now???? Why not put that money towards an extra year on Santana's offer and keep him and put Pat in as the closer...something to think about

[Dahitman44]

I think it is smart money.

If the kids move along this year like some of them think they will -- could have a nice rotation next season.

NOT awesome, but nice.

It was NOT awsome when we had santana and silva, what's wrong with liriano, boof, baker and sloughy.

Not TOOOOO bad?

[tisosy11]

They could trade Nathan this year. The twins signed him to a realatively cheap deal for a top notch PROVEN closer. If the twins struggle this year and the young arms aren't where Anderson expects them. The twins could easily deal Nathan, because it is much more attractive to acquire a 3-4 year contract of a stud instead of a half year.

Nathan could still be next...

[tisosy11]

Hey, anyone see the forecast for Monday (twins opener) 30 degrees and snow...can't you just wait for winter baseball when the new park opens up!!!!

[Scott K]

Yep, Cant wait until they are crying that they need a roof!

[Dahitman44]

Yeah -- we ALL know that we need a roof in April, and most of May