Twins Ready To Trade Nathan?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
According to TwinsCities.com, the Twins are looking into trading closer Joe Nathan, who is set to be a free agent next season. This was brought up at the beginning of the off season but nothing has been done about it since the Johan Santana talks started. Nathan, 33, was 4-2 with a 1.88 ERA and 37 SV last season for the Twins. Since 1999, Nathan is 43-18 with a 3.00 ERA and 161 SV in 395 games. One reason they might be wiling to trade him is because they have several young prospects who could take over at closer, one of them is reliever Pat Neshek. I talked to a scout who thinks the Cubs are a good fit for Nathan. The win now mentality and prospects they have make them a possibly choice. Not only that, but he says GM Jim Hendry usually pulls the triggers on trades where there is little damage done to the team. So if he is able to exchange two to three prospects for someone with one year left on his contract, he probably would do it. Any trade involving the Cubs would probably involve pitching prospect Donnie Veal, along with players Kevin Hart, and Josh Donaldson. However, the Twins are known to ask for a lot in trades which might push out most teams. Still, I expect the Orioles, Giants, and maybe Braves to be interested.
2 comments:
What makes you think the Giants are going to trade for him?
This would not make any sense for them, particularly since it would just remind all the fans about the A.J. Pierzynski trade.
In addition, many fans are holding Sabean to his pledge of getting younger, about which he also said that any deal he does will be with a view to the long term as well as the short term.
Nathan would not fit either of them, he would be same old, same old, because he's 33 years old (current closer candidate with strongest chances of winning is Brian Wilson, 26 I think), and then the Giants would have to pay him a lot per year for a long time to get an extension when they need to save payroll for middle of lineup hitters. In addition, they would have to give up good prospects for him when their system is not that bursting with talent, it would totally deplete their system to get him, assuming the Twins are looking to ask for a lot.
What makes you "expect" the Giants to be interested?
If Nathan is willing to sign an extension, the Giants could offer Noah Lowry - which would help the sting of losing Johan Santana (if they trade him).
Post a Comment