Rosenthal's Latest: Feliz, Nathan, Sexson

Pence + for Nathan?

I always have trouble valuing closers.

Also... doesn't the Cardinals' offense blow everywhere EXCEPT 1B?

Just curious, would the Twins stay in-house for a closer if Nathan was dealt or do you think they would try to sign someone like Dotel as a stopgap closer? Could Neshek close?

I admit to not seeing many Giants games becuase it made me sick to see Barroid Bonds, but is Feliz really that bad of an option for the Cards? I mean Rolen would normally hit higher than .253 but I would have loved to get 20 HRs out of him last season.

I really hope the Astros don't give up Pence, he's like 1/3rd their offense. Maybe in a deal for Cabrera...

Then again, Cooper and Co. have said they're going to build around "pitching, speed, and defence", so I guess there's no room for offense.

Probably going to try (and fail) with a Luke Scott / Chris Burke package.

I'd be surprised if the Astros parted with Pence for a closer.

I think the Astros would be peddling their "top" pitching prospects - Troy Patton, Felipe Paulino and Matt Albers. The Astros also have a handful of low level outfielders. Luke Scott, Wandy Rodriguez, and Chris Burke could also be packaged in a deal.

All that said, I don't think the Astros can trump other teams looking for a closer (ie. Brewers)

If I'm the Twins, I'd ask for (at least) Paulino, Samuel Gervacio and Mitch Einertson.

i agree with darin, the only way pence goes anywhere is in a trade for a young starter...a la ian snell, etc

i would tip my hat to ed wade if he could land nathan for a bunch of our prospects. the matsui and brocail signings aside, that would be a coupe

Nathan would be a great fit for the Astros, but Pence isn't going anywhere.

I wonder if Luke Scott might be going to MIN, since the Twins are a bit light on power-hitting outfielders...

Also, the Astros have scads of decent young starters just past prospect level, so one or 2 of them may be included.

Joe Nathan has been one of the top 3 closers in all of baseball over the past 3 years. go look again at his numbers, if you haven't lately. there's no way a league average (at best) player such as Scott or Burke + some table scraps gets it done.

Johan Santana is in the exact same position with respect to free agency, and the Twins could still get one of the best pitching prospects anywhere, a MLB-proven CF, plus another decent prospect for him. today. judging by what Johan's next contract will be ($22M+/yr), and what the price of a top closer is ($12-15M/yr), Nathan should be able to bring back around half the value of the Johan package, no?

exclusive negotiation rights for a long-term extension is what it's about, not just the one year left before free agency..

"The Twins are discussing Joe Nathan with the Astros. Interesting match but who goes over to Minnesota in that one?"

It has got to start with Hunter Pence, because that is obviously the Twins biggest need, unless they get one for Santana. I think the Twins might have to throw something else in to get Pence though, because he is very good, though Nathan is one of the most important pieces on a team. We'll see though, they could settle for something like Bourn and maybe Brad James/Troy Patton. Then again are those guys your top prospects, because I don't know much about the Astro's minors?

how about this: Hunter Pence for Joe Nathan, Juan Rincon and Jesse Crain?

If Hunter Pence played for the Yankees or Boston, Melky or Ellsbury would be sitting on the bench.

"The Mariners desperately want to trade Richie Sexson." Hmmm... Yes... and in related stories, Jeff Weaver would really like to win the Cy Young and Bill Bavasi would love to grow hair once more... Just a bit unlikely, I'm thinking.