By Mark Gonzales
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Joe Nathan's season-threatening elbow injury was felt as far as San Francisco's spring-training clubhouse, where Minnesota's All-Star closer started his career.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti was saddened by the news that Nathan tore a ligament in his elbow and said he planned to call him later.
The Giants traded Nathan after the 2003 season -- three years after Nathan underwent surgery on his right shoulder -- along with pitchers Francisco Liriano and Boof Bonser -- for current White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Joe Nathan's season-threatening elbow injury was felt as far as San Francisco's spring-training clubhouse, where Minnesota's All-Star closer started his career.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti was saddened by the news that Nathan tore a ligament in his elbow and said he planned to call him later.
The Giants traded Nathan after the 2003 season -- three years after Nathan underwent surgery on his right shoulder -- along with pitchers Francisco Liriano and Boof Bonser -- for current White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski.
At the time of the trade, Nathan had made 78 appearances under then-manager Felipe Alou after pitching in only four games with the Giants in 2002. At the same time, Liriano also had a history of arm problems, but possessed plenty of potential.
It's a tribute to the Twins' training staff and Ron Gardenhire that Nathan was able to remain as healthy as he did until this spring. At the same time, Pierzynski remains the most durable catcher in the majors -- especially during his five years with the Sox.
It's a tribute to the Twins' training staff and Ron Gardenhire that Nathan was able to remain as healthy as he did until this spring. At the same time, Pierzynski remains the most durable catcher in the majors -- especially during his five years with the Sox.
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A.L. Central (Before Nathan's injury)
Sox 93-69
Twins 88-74
Tigers 83-79
Royals 75-87
Indians 72-90
A.L. Central (Without Nathan)
Sox 95-67
Tigers 85-77
Twins 84-78
Royals 77-85
Indians 73-89
susan on March 9, 2010 1:24 PM
Joe Nathan:Over the past six seasons with the Twins have not had to think in the ninth.
..............
Nathan is a tough loss, but the division is not at all very good and they have the only complete team in it. The Tigers are going to be good, but they look like they are still a year away. Nathan or not, the Twins should have a relatively easy time with the Central this year.
Joe Nathan:Over the past six seasons with the Twins have not had to think in the ninth. If you had an advantage in a close game, replacements for Nathan. http://usspost.com/joe-nathan-6898/
The twinkies will finish a distant 2nd this year... in case nobody noticed the white sox have one of the best rotations in baseball this year! and some decent bats to go along with it...the twins are starting out in their new staduim this year...good luck playing outside in REAL grass this year...oh by the way how's the wearther in minn. in april? friggin cold...what about october...oh wait doesnt matter they wont be playing in october!
I agree with KW and next time I will bring the KY and Carlos Zambrano blow up doll for our next Wrigley rendezvous. Go Cubs!
Even with this injury, the Twins are still a substantial step above every other team in the A.L. Central and should have little trouble winning the division. They have the best team defense ( by far) the best lineup and the best bullpen. It really shouldn't be tough this year unless they get hit with a lot of injuries. The rest of the division is just too weak to fear.
A lot of people are predicting Minnesota to win this division. Don't be a fool like them. This will be a down year for the Twinkies. They'll be lucky to take 3rd place in this division. Book it!