Nathan's Famous Surgery

Let me begin by stating, if I ever write about the Minnesota Twins twice in the same week again, it will most likely come from a frigid portion of Hell. The teams two most prominent players have been making headlines of late for very different reasons. With Mauer's deal signed, sealed and delivered, the front office still has one headache to deal with. Closer Joe Nathan's elbow did not respond well to rest and will be undergoing the dreaded Tommy John Surgery.

The surgery is more common these days, with over one hundred players, mostly pitchers, having the procedure done. It's not a career-ender anymore, although the rehab is extensive. Some players have even come back stronger and throwing harder with more velocity and movement after the ligament is repaired. In Nathan's case, the timing of the injury is the most threatening to his career. He's 35 and will miss the entire 2010 season. The contract he signed in 2008 calls for him to make just over $11 million this season and next. Under ideal circumstances, Nathan could return midway through the 2011 season. If the Twins want to contend, they'll likely need an established closer to replace Nathan. Upon his return, he would likely assume eighth inning duties, making him grossly overpaid as a setup man and nearly ensuring they decline the $12 million option the ball club holds for '12.

If he were to hit the open market, he'd be a 37 year old closer with a history of elbow problems. Luckily, Nathan is with a great organization that would likely work with him in attempting to restructure his contract and guarantee he retires a Twin. Nathan's been dominant in his career, amassing nearly 250 saves for the perennial contenders of the AL Central. While the team has largely allowed its star players to go (i.e. Johan Santana and Torii Hunter) Nathan was the exception to the rule. I've always been opposed to long-term deals for pitchers, especially closers, given the volatility in their health. The role of the closer has been massacred over the years. Identifying your best pitcher is simple, but limiting him to entering a ball game during one specific scenario is moronic. Recording three outs without surrendering three runs is no monumental task. Any reliever on the team should be capable of that. A dominant closer like Nathan however, can set the tone for entire pitching staff, stabilizing and maintaining order.

The odds aren't stacked against Nathan's return, but they certainly aren't tipping in his favor either. It will take the determination and hard work that made him an all-star closer, to get him back there.