February 15, 2010
Since the close of last season, the talk on all the Twin Cities sports radio has been the debate over whether Minnesota should deal closer Joe Nathan. The opinions have been varied and the discussion...well, shall we say "intense?"
Today the Twins and the Braves formally concluded what had been rumored for several weeks- Nathan is coming to Atlanta in exchange for Braves closer Rafael Soriano.
In Atlanta today, both Nathan and Braves GM Jobo Foster met with reporters to talk about his move into the Atlanta bullpen.
Nathan said, while he regretted leaving the Minnesota club, he looked forward to coming to Atlanta for a challenge of helping the Braves battle for the NL East division title.
"The Mets would still be the heavy favorite, I think, to repeat," Nathan declared. "Florida has vastly improved their chances with their activity this year. I expect the Phillies will rebound from their lackluster year and anyone who looks past the Nationals is gonna get burned. Make no mistake: the NL East is a tough division."
"But, I like where we sit in Atlanta, too. Our offense was the most productive in terms of runs scored in all of GABA in 2009. The two changes in the starting lineup (rookie Freddie Freeman at first and Veteran Mark DeRosa at second) are no slouches. In addition, I believe Jobo has made our bullpen stronger with the moves this off season. I am excited about our chances."
Foster was asked if he felt criticism of acquiring an aging reliever at the cost of a younger one still on the rise was justified, especially in light the other players traded to make financial room for Nathan.
Foster laughed and said, "I would say that aging thing too loud in his hearing," pointing to Nathan. "Actually, how can it be a bad thing to acquire such a "lights-out" closer like Joe Nathan? Last year he saved 37 games out of 38 opportunities, in 5 of the last 6 seasons his ERA was under 2.00, This guy's got a lot still in him. He's just what we've needed: a closer to go along with quality setup men that make our opponents feel they'll have to win the game in seven innings, 'cause when he comes in it's all over."
"I know, everybody has to retire someday. And one day, Joe will, too. But, by the time he does, he'll have given us some great years and he will have helped train theses young guys we've acquired - Chris Perez from St. Louis, free agent John Bannister, Steve Marek in AAA - and they'll be ready to step in that role. It's a winning deal for us to get the premier closer in all baseball."
"Well," added Nathan, "let's go get it started now. I'm pumped up."
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