Oct
29
2011

Joe Nathan Says Mets Appeal To Him, But Not Really?

An article by Craig Lerner

Greg Logan of Newsday, was on hand at Stony Brook University today where former Twins closer Joe Nathan helped to dedicate their new baseball field.

While speaking to reporters Nathan said he would consider joining the Mets as their closer this winter. “The Mets are going to be on my radar”, Nathan said.

Nathan, 37, also said that more than the money, he was more interested in joining a team bound for the post season. ”The dollars are kind of on the back burner,” he said. “It’s all about winning right now. Where I’m at in my career, I just want to be on a club that has a chance to go to the postseason and have a chance to pitch in big games.”

The Twins recently declined Nathan’s $12.5 million option for the 2012 season. After missing the 2010 season with TJ surgery, Nathan picked up 14 saves in 17 opportunities in 2011 with an uncharacteristically high 4.84 ERA. A four-time All-Star, Nathan has earned 261 saves in his career.

The fact he is a local guy appeals to me, but not as much as whether or not he can still pitch effectively. Also, does he have real desire to join the Mets who are obviously not expected to have post season aspirations next season, or does he just want them in the pool to drive the bidding up?

About the Author: Craig Lerner

I'm a data analyst and researcher for a leading news agency who loves life and is hooked on the Mets. I love following the Amateur Draft and have a particular fondness for the Mets Minor Leagues who I follow each day. Give me a cold beer, a summer day, and a Mets game, and I'm good to go.

7 Comments + Add Comment

Matt October 29, 2011 at 10:11 pm

”The dollars are kind of on the back burner,” he said. “It’s all about winning right now. Where I’m at in my career, I just want to be on a club that has a chance to go to the postseason and have a chance to pitch in big games.” Meaning…if i can’t get an offer from a good team, I would slum it with the Mets and hope I could get traded.

Mets don’t need a 37 year old closer. This is a team going nowhere for the foreseeable future, the last thing they need is to spend more money on nearly 40 year old relievers. Does a 70-75 win team really need a big name closer?
steve October 30, 2011 at 12:39 am

AHHH Matt> I was hoping for the Mets to sign Nathan, and have Frank Francisci his 8th inning guy??? Ok how about Matt Capps and Jonathon Broxton then??? They will ok till the Mets have Mejia and Familia!!!!
LongTimefan October 30, 2011 at 5:28 am

If you ask me, I think Nathan’s just playing the market. He’s already said he wants to return to the Twins, and that he wants to go to team with good chance for playoffs. Though he grew up a Mets fan which ups the emotional incentive to play here, it sounds to me he’s using the Mets to re-sign with the Twins or increase his value for a projected contender few expect the Mets to be.
Metstheory22 October 30, 2011 at 8:36 am

If you look at it as, since we are not going to contend, he might be perfect as he might only get a 1 or 2 year contract for less money. We will not need a grade A closer, but someone to bridge the gap for a year or two.
- metsaddict77 October 30, 2011 at 9:23 am
  
  this team isn’t trying to make the team better,only more cost effective.they won’t be signing anyone for more than a million a year.welcome to ten years of bottom finishes.for the first time in my 30 years of being a mets fan i could care less about the upcoming season.nothing to look forward to.
- NJ stuck in TX October 30, 2011 at 1:11 pm
  
  I agree. If we can get Nathan on a 1-2 year deal at 3 mil a year plus incentives, that would be perfect. Time for Mejia to heal and eventually take over the closer position.
Metsie October 30, 2011 at 10:43 am

I agree craig…

You don’t say it’s about the winning and then say the Mets are on your radar unless your hoping they will drop Payroll bombs on the target to drive up the price…

And if that is his thinking I have to say he’s dead wrong because we don’t seem to be in any mode where we are bidding up anyone!

Not even our own Jose Reyes!

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