Twins Deals Closed So Far

To the disappointment of many Minnesota fans, the Twins found their closer in singing Matt Capps to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million that includes a $6 million option for 2013 with a $250,000 buyout.

Capps blew nine saves in 25 chances last year and held a 4.25 ERA. The Twins lost Joe Nathan to the Texas Rangers. The Twins remain confident he'll bounce back next year after dealing with forearm issues throughout the season.

Minnesota dealt Slowey to the Rockies for a player to be named. On a side note, I saw the Rockies at Coors Field this summer and they have quite a few talented players (despite their record) so I hope we get a good one. The way the Twins have been working in the offseason, chances are we won't though.

The Twins also selected right-handed pitcher Marty Popham from the Indians organization and lost right-handed pitcher Shooter Hunt to the Cardinals organization in the Minor League phase of the Rule 5 Draft.

Joe Nathan Leaves for Rangers

The Minnesota Twins just lost their all-time saves leader to the Texas Rangers.

Joe Nathan (37) signed a two-year deal with the Rangers yesterday, which includes a team option for 2014.

Nathan just returned this past season after Tommy John surgery prevented him from taking the mound in 2010. The right-hander made 48 appearances last season, going 2-1 with 14 saves and a 4.84 ERA.

Nathan was stripped of the closer role early in the season when, like many other Twins, he imploded. He won the position back for the end of the year.

Nathan's career has a 48-23 record with 261 saves and a 2.87 ERA in 581 games. Nathan had been in Minnesota since 2004.

I don't know what you guys think, but it seems to me that we keep dumping players and picking up players that are only useful in Triple A? I see a long-term building plan, but also would like some short terms players too... we can't have another 2011 in 2012.

Twins decline Joe Nathan's Option

The Minnesota Twins appear to be declining the $12.5 million option on Joe Nathan.

Nathan missed all of 2010 following Tommy John elbow surgery and struggled this year, but did pitch all the way down the stretch.

However, it is also reported that the Twins do want Nathan back for 2012, but apparently don't want to pay him that much.

Nathan threw 29 innings with a 3.38 ERA and a 28/5 K/BB ratio from late June through the end of season, but Nathan's velocity was below his pre-surgery levels. Nathan is a 37-year-old entering a saturated market of veteran closers.

Danny Valencia Saves Season With Walk Off Single, Closer Thoughts

It looked like the Twins' season was all but over. Casilla flew out to left field, and Mauer was up to bat with one out. The Twins' were about to be 8 games back in the division, and likely would be trading key players at the deadline, but the Twins' fought back in a huge way, just like they have been doing all season. Mauer walked, and Cuddyer hit what looked like a single, but become a double because of his hustle. The Indians intentionally walked Jim Thome, bringing up Danny Valencia. Valencia hits a dinky fly ball to left field that drops and Cuddyer rounds third to score the game winning run. This is a huge win for the Twins that brought them to 6 games back of the 1st place Indians. They have to win again tonight if they want to keep their hopes alive.

Matt Capps pitched again last night and looked better than before. He clearly cannot handle the mental grind that comes with being a closer, as he leads Major League baseball with 18 blown saves over the past year. I think Joe Nathan is improving, but I would love to see Glen Perkins close. He's got closer stuff, the only thing you have to worry about with him is his mental toughness. He shouldn't have to worry about the mental part because when you are throwing a filthy slider along with a 97 mph fastball, you should be just fine. Gardy, just give him a shot, please.

Week One Notes

One week into the season. After one game has been rained out, our record is 2-4. We played at Toronto and New York. Thankfully we have gotten those out of the way now. Those are not two easy places to play, in fact they have been the hardest for the Twins to play at in recent memory. We will now play against Oakland, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Baltimore in consecutive series. These are more managable, as I don't think these teams have the firepower that Toronto and New York have. Denard Span has gotten off to a solid start in the leadoff spot and Joe Nathan has converted both of his save opportunities, really glad to see that.

Ron Gardenhire Wins American League Manager of the Year

Ron Gardenhire is pretty familiar with the American League Manager of the Year. He was a 5-time runner-up until last week when he was named the American League Manager of the Year. Ron Washington of the Texas Rangers finished in 2nd place. Gardenhire led the Minnesota Twins to a 94-68 record and another American League Central Division Title. Even with injuries to Joe Nathan and Justin Morneau, Gardenhire found a way to get the 6th AL Central Title in 9 years. Congratulations to Ron Gardenhire!

Minnesota Twins Pitcher Joe Nathan is done, who will fill his shoes?

Minnesota Twins Pitcher Joe Nathan will be spending the 2010 inaugural Target Field Twins Season on the bench. The Twins Pitcher will undergo elbow surgery on Friday after a tear that the Twins PR team is calling "severe" kept Nathan from pitching to the best of his ability. Joe Nathan will be out of commission for the rest of the season. Typically the surgery Joe Nathan will be having takes a full 12 month recovery period. But a confident Joe Nathan told reporters that he was positive he would be back for the Minnesota Twins Home Opener 2011.

With Joe Nathan gone, the question is left.. Who will be pitching into Joe Mauer's glove? For starters the Minnesota Twins have come to an agreement with lefty Ron Mahay. Ron Mahay will be a relief pitcher for the Twins, the lefty has had 13 years of experience in the major leagues pitching for 8 different teams... the experience and confidence on the field may be the best thing Ron Mahay brings to the table.

Also in the Bullpen Mix for the Minnesota Twins will be Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn,Clay Condrey, Jesse Crain and Francisco Liriano with lots of options when it comes to pitchers on the 40 man active roster, the Minnesota Twins will have some tough decisions to make before the Twins Home Opener at Target Field.

Get Well Soon Joe!

Joe Nathan injured, and Minnesota Twins Roster is in question

The Minnesota Twins were dealt a tough blow this week. All Star Joe Nathan was diagnosed with torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Nathan found out he had bone chips in his elbow last season which were removed in the off-season. In Saturday's Spring Training Game Nathan's elbow tightened up revealing bigger problems.

No official decision has been made about Nathan's future this season, though the powers that be are hopeful that he pulls through because as they see it, Nathan is "irreplaceable".

"I'm going to do whatever I can right now,'' Nathan said in a press conference, "to give myself the best chance to go out there and help this team out. But at the same time, I'm not going let this go on too long. I know these guys have a decision to make, and they've got to prepare for the season, too."