A day of high and lows
March 21, 2010
Sunday morning didn’t start off too well as I awoke to read the news that Joe Nathan would be out for the season. The news wasn’t really surprising as it seemed to heading in that direction, it’s just that you do not want to hear something like that happen to the All-Star closer for the team you root for.
When Nathan’s injury was announced, and especially after the news broke that he would be out for 2010, it seemed that Twins fans suddenly became pessimistic about the season. Can one pitcher, a closer at that, mean so much to a team? Well, looking at the numbers, Nathan picked up 47 saves last season which accounted for more than half of the Twins victories and had a high 11.9 SO/9 average.
For the most part, Nathan is irreplaceable in such a short notice, but to say an entire season will be lost without him is a bit much. The Twins always seem to find the right people to put into situations like this, whether it is someone stepping up like Jon Rauch, someone sent over in a trade like Heath Bell, or from their farm system like Anthony Slama, the Twins should be able to at least find a serviceable fix in Nathan’s absence.
The loss of Joe Nathan is great but the Twins made huge strides in other areas to make up for it. The Twins upgraded their middle infield in the offseason with Orlando Hudson and JJ Hardy and added some potential power on the bench in Jim Thome. Plus, being in the AL Central, only two other teams stand out as potential threats – Chicago and Detroit.
My main concern with Nathan, though, is if he can come back after surgery. Nathan made a point to say that he doesn’t feel his age (35) and has used his arm a lot less than a regular pitcher, but it still worries me after seeing people like Francisco Liriano struggle after having Tommy John surgery. As a fan, all we can do is sit back and hope for the best when it comes to things like that.
Thankfully, the blow that came from losing Joe Nathan for the entire season was softened by another Joe, that being Joe Mauer, who signed an 8-year $184MM deal with the Twins.
Signing Joe Mauer to a long term deal was the top priority in the minds of almost every Twins fan this offseason. Fans sat back as the team signed and traded for several new players, and signed some current players to contract extensions, but the news on a deal for Mauer was light.
After seeing what the deal was for and the years that come with it, the only question I can ask is – what took so long?
I figured if the Twins signed Mauer to a deal it would be for $200 or more, and was surprised to see the deal below that figure. In all seriousness, though, I’m sure that a deal of this magnitude will take time to hammer out, but I am glad that the deal is done. In five years or so my outlook may change due to injuries or the like, but right now I am sharing in the feelings that are shared throughout most of Twins Nation, and that is of pure elation.
The Twins have signed a future Hall of Famer to a long term deal, and with a full no trade clause in his contract, Joe Mauer will most likely be a Minnesota Twin for his entire career. Not getting this deal done and seeing Mauer head to a larger market, especially ones in the east coast, could have been devastating to the club.
Sure, there will be naysayers who will overanalyze the fact that Mauer will make 25% of the payroll, but on the flipside, where would the payroll be without him? Would the Twins suddenly find themselves in fire sale mode like the Cleveland Indians or in perpetual rebuilding mode like the Kansas City Royals? Would the Twins sell out most of their tickets to Target Field to help keep the payroll at or near these record levels?
It may be a little premature to say so, but barring any major injury, Mauer could surpass the likes of Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva, Rod Carew, Kent Hrbek, and yes, even Kirby Puckett as the greatest player to ever play for the club. The Twins aren’t throwing money at some washed up player or at a young unproven star that had one great season. This is Joe Mauer we are talking about, the best catcher in baseball today and a player that has put up consistent league leading numbers year after year.
A lot has happened today as we are nearing the start of the regular season, but I feel the good has outweighed the bad. It is a great time to be a Twins fan.
Comments
One Response to “A day of high and lows”
Got something to say?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Your title pretty much summed it up for me too! Losing Nathan for the year wasn’t a surprise, but it was a reality after today. Even though it was a microscopic chance to keep him, it was a chance.
Seeing Mauer sign was a huge relief and triggered hugs around the house between family members.
The only concern right now going into the season has to be pitching. All of he starting pitching has looked great, but Blackburn has had nagging knee injury and a few of the key staff for this year have struggled. Among those with high ERA numbers are the likes of Clay Condrey (10.29), Glen Perkins (9.0) and Brain Duensing (9.0).
Some good showings from Jesse Crain and Matt Guerrier!