Nathan out for 2010

[A.E]

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Get ready for Plan B.

"Our No. 1 hope was for Joe Nathan to be able to pitch for us. But we had to be able to build a contingency plan," Twins general manager Bill Smith said. "We explained that to Joe two weeks ago. He understood.

"Throughout this whole process, we wanted to have the utmost respect for Joe while there was hope to have him with us. We've exhausted that process. Now we'll proceed to Plan B."

Which is?

"As Terry Ryan used to say, 'We'll let you know.' "

D'oh!

Well, it's no secret that Plan B involves bringing in a closer from outside the Twins organization. And it's no secret why Ron Gardenhire fudges whenever he's asked about a closer. Why tell a Jon Rauch, Jesse Crain or Matt Guerrier that he's the man, only to have to take it back when a new guy arrives in camp? Why have Francisco Liriano, who has closer-like stuff, concentrate on pitching just one inning if a new closer is on the way? Then Liriano is behind as far as stretching his arm out as a starter.

Smith says he's been doing his due diligence. He notified Nathan of his intentions to look around at other possible closers so that he wasn't startled by the rumors. Such as the one that has rebuilding San Diego sending Heath Bell to the Twins.

The Twins also are eyeing a couple of hard-throwing relievers from the Toronto Blue Jays. Currently, the Jays have three pitchers competing for the job of closer: Kevin Gregg, Scott Downs and Jason Frasor.

"The past two weeks, we've been working on contingencies," Smith said. "As Gardy said, 'Nobody is going to cry for us.' We've been working on it. We don't have to make a decision today. We have two weeks until the season opens."

Smith talked about the possibility of internal candidates assuming the role. But that just seemed like a smokescreen. Here's why I don't think that's going to happen: With a payroll approaching $100 million, Smith has come too far to let one setback ruin everything. He has signed several players to one-year contracts — Orlando Hudson, Jim Thome and Carl Pavano, for example — in an effort to make a splash in the team's first year at Target Field. There's no turning back.

The team can't afford to take chances at this position. Unless a trade would gut the farm system, I expect Smith to announce a move soon. Bell is a likely candidate, although the Toronto guys wouldn't command such a high price. Strictly a one-inning guy, Bell also would provide insurance for 2011 as he has a year of arbitration eligibility left after this season. He will earn $4 million in 2010.

But any trade likely will be painful. Watching youngsters such as Wilson Ramos and Ben Revere in camp, I can't imagine letting either prospect go. Ramos is going to be a major league catcher within two years. Revere has been perhaps the most outstanding player in camp.

They are exactly the type of cornerstone prospects a rebuilding team needs. No doubt those names, as well as that of center fielder Aaron Hicks, have come up in any trade conversation. In fact, that may be why there has been no deal to this point.

The former general manager of the Padres, Kevin Towers, told Fox Sports two days ago that if he were still running the team, he'd ask the Twins for Hicks, Revere or Angel Morales, another outfielder, in return for Bell. I'm sure there's a good reason why Towers is not the general manager anymore. But that does provide a pretty good glimpse of the thought process.

Meanwhile, Nathan says he wants to schedule his arm surgery as soon as possible.

"ASAP," he said. "Get this thing taken care of as soon as possible so there's plenty of time to be ready for next season."

But next season isn't a given. For some pitchers, it takes longer. And there is no guarantee, if and when Nathan does return after this serious surgery, that he'll return as a closer. Which is another reason why the Twins will want more than a stopgap closer.

Also, although no one would confirm it, the Twins likely were insured against just such a catastrophe. Few teams go without buying insurance on their top-level players. So the organization likely will get a chunk of Nathan's $11.25 million salary back. That gives them more money to work with to solidify the position.

In a nutshell, I'd say the chances are 90-10 that Smith acquires a closer within a week. That solves one problem without creating another, such as who will take over Liriano's spot in the rotation. If Smith can't or won't, then Liriano will get first crack at the job, provided he wants it. If he doesn't want any part of it, well, then the Twins have a big, big problem.

SOURCE

I was high on the Twins for 2010 but this hurts...a huge kick in the nuts. The Twins need to make a huge trade, acquire another closer and fast. I would hope that a deal can be made for a Heath Bell or maybe even Manny Corpas. With no prestine closer in place, I have no confidence in their chances at winning the Central.

 

[playmaker7]

Jon Rauch could be a solid closer, probably the best on the squad. I would think they'd need to give other guys a chance first but this hurts their team.

 

[cruzg24]

Ron Gardenhire is considering putting in Francisco Liriano as the closer.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

Yeah I heard that also about Liriano and I think I also heard somewhere that Liriano would be ok with that move. I think it's a solid temporary move. The kid's had trouble staying healthy, so using his talent in less innings might be a good decision short-term until they can acquire someone else.

They may even look to Oakland, whose got a few guys that could flirt the bill like Devine or Wuertz.

 

[Rios15]

It would be cool to see him close for a bit, plus he's coming back from a serious injury so it's a smart move if true, but for now..

 

[redbrid8]

I could see Liriano being a pretty good closer, but Rausch is a good option to go to too, but not as good as Nathan.