Joe Nathan has been a member of the Twins’ bullpen since Minnesota traded for him late in 2003, but he’d consider moving on under the right circumstances. He told Phil Mackey of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities that he’d look at possible deals on a case by case basis.
"It's something I would consider," Nathan said, explaining that he’s intrigued by the possibility of pitching in a playoff race. "It's not something I would rule out."
Nathan, 36, has ten and five rights, so he can block any trade. He has a 4.79 ERA with 7.8 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 in 35 2/3 innings since returning from 2010 Tommy John surgery. The four-time All-Star earns $11.25MM this year and the Twins have a $12.5MM option for his services in 2012 ($2MM buyout).
Given that over $4MM remains on Nathan's contract including the buyout, it seems likely that he would clear waivers if he hasn't already. He doesn't currently project as a ranked free agent, so draft pick compensation doesn't figure to be a factor for the Twins.
I’d be down with it if they could net a prospect out of the deal and then bring him back, on a cheaper deal, for next season and perhaps beyond.
Hmmm…..looks like everyone on this club wants out. Cuddyer turns down a deal. Delmon Young is traded away for nothing. Kubel is mysteriously put on waivers and Thome will be soon be gone as well. Looks like Nathan & Capps won’t be back next season either.
Is this massive shedding of payroll or is management just gutting and blowing this team apart? And to think they won 90+ games last season. WOW! just WOW!
Not to mention having the best record in spring training, …for what that’s worth.
Yeah, but at least they gave Mauer 184 million. Makes a lot of sense especially for the catcher position.
Doubtful they pick up the option on him next year. Twins won’t be going anywhere in 2012 and would have no reason to pay a bullpen pitcher $12 million. Gotta start rebuilding.
That is the Billy Smith abortion. There will be nothing left of the franchise when he is done.
Idk why Smith is blowing up this team, they just got destroyed with injuries and ppl having down years, it happens. Sign an Ace in the offseason and a RH power hitter to put in the 3rd slot in the order and this could be a very dangerous team.
The Twins aren’t going to be a top bidder for one of the few decent starters in the offseason, and the hitting crop is pretty terrible outside of Pujols and Fielder. And Minnesota pretty much has to leave 1B and DH open for Mauer and Morneau in the coming years.
Sorry Joe…but you’re finished