Twins closer Nathan out for the year

I think the only one we might need or want out of that group you suggested is Kubel if we have problems with Torii/Abreu/Matsui. Maybe Baker if something goes wrong with our rotation.

Are you off your effing meds?

Where do we play Kubel or Young? Are you suggesting we trade pitching for yet more outfielders?

They are very good at promoting within the ranks and considering they are trying to sign Mauer to a long term deal they won’t want to break the bank for closer.

That being said LET THE MAUER FOR FUENTES TALK BEGIN!

Agree with Salmon Stream. The Twins are going to be counting all their pennies in their big jar to be able to pay Mauer. Fuentes makes too much money.

If I were the Twins, I would probably be more interested in Heath Bell, given his current salary. But, the Padres would probably strike a hard bargain.

Twins will probably go bargain shopping late in Spring Training. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them go for someone like Gagne, if he doesn’t make the Dodgers bullpen (a good chance of that happening with their depth).

Tempting as it might seem to dangle Fuentes in front of the Twins and hope for a fat deal, the Twins have the option of using Lirano as the closer, which, due to the arm trouble he has had, might be a more attractive idea than using him in the rotation.

It occurred to me that the Twins might instead look for a closer candidate within their Farm System.

One of their more interesting closer prospects, is Alex Burnett, who pitched last year at New Britain (AA). He is a converted starting pitcher who they were using as a closer. The 18th ranked prospect in the Twins system. Burnett was born in Anaheim and went to Ocean View. There’s a local wrinkle for you!

I realize that there is virtually zero chance that he gets the call, but that local angle I thought it interesting nonetheless. At least to my eyes, it doesn’t look like the Twinkies have anyone in their minor league system who can step up.

Also, while Liriano might be an interesting possibility, I can’t imagine that they would do it. Not saying its impossible, just saying I can’t imagine it. He has more value as a starter. If he were to close, I’m not even sure if he could pitch consecutive games, given his past arm problems. Matt Guerrier looks like a better bet to me than Rauch.

Those offering Fuentes as a possibility are just dreaming.

It definitely sucks to have Nathan go down. I still think we’ve got a great shot to win the Central, but this complicates things. I like how much of a discussion you guys have going over Nathan – it’s always good to see another team’s fans get that involved with something going on with the Twins, even though I wish it was in better circumstances.

As far as replacements for Nathan, here are a few options:

1. Promote from within the bullpen – Jon Rauch, Matt Guerrier, or Jose Mijares. Don’t know how likely the Twins will be to do this, but my guess would be Rauch if they do, since he’s got some closing experience. They could use Liriano, but I don’t think that’s likely – he has done well enough in the winter leagues as a starter that the Twins must be tempted to see if he returns to form. Pat Neshek would have been a great choice, but he was out for all of the 2009 season with an elbow injury.

2. Callup from the minors – Could be Anthony Slama (AAA), the guy’s done well through the minors and is doing great in spring training. Rob Delaney (AAA) is another possibility. Alex Burnett (AA) (mentioned above) is another possibility, but I think he’s less likely with two other candidates a level higher than him. I think Burnett has a great chance to make the team someday, but I don’t think it’s likely today.

3. Trade – cost is probably a factor here. Even the insurance from Nathan will pay only half of his salary, from what we hear. I also think the Twins are likely to try to trade Glen Perkins, Alexi Casilla, or prospects – they are in a “win now” mode, and won’t trade someone who will contribute much to the team in 2010. I’ve heard Jason Fraser and Heath Bell tossed around as names, but nothing concrete.