Minnesota Twins pictures

This blog needs a little spicing up so I am going to post a few pictures of my favorite Minnesota Twins. They always say a picture is worth a million words – what do these pictures say to you?

Twins Break Losing Streak, Finally!

The Minnesota Twins beat the Cleveland Indians last night in Cleveland 8-5. The Twins built up a big run lead and then tried to give it away (have they been taking lessons from the Minnesota Vikings?), but managed to hold on to snap their six game losing streak. The Twins played hard in the third inning when Justin Morneau hit a two-run double, Michael Cuddyer had an RBI double, and Jason Kubel hit a two-run homer – woo hoo! It was about time the Twins gave the fans something to be excited about. I thought Dennys Reyes was going to give it away, but Jesse Crain came in to get the Twins out of a tough spot and Joe Nathan came in to “close the door.” Sing it with me, you know you want to! Let’s hope the Twins can build on this momentum and put a few more notches in the win column.

Twins Joe Nathan Contract

The Minnesota Twins inked closer Joe Nathan to a four-year, $47 million contract with a $12.5 million team option, $2 million buyout, for 2012. The Twins tore up this year’s $6 million contract and Joe Nathan will now earn $11.25 million each year of the contract beginning this season. Wow! That’s a lot of dough, but he is one of the best in the league. Nathan’s deal is less than Mariano Rivera's record-breaking three-year, $45 million deal, but more than many other closers in the MLB.

"I think it's a good fit," Joe Nathan said. "Dave Pepe, my agent, has always
said this organization is right for you ... it seems like you belong here."

Many critics say that this big contract just makes Nathan more “tradable” but this Minnesota Twins fan thinks the Twins made the deal to keep one of the best closers in the American League on the roster. I look forward to seeing Joe Nathan at the Metrodome this season! His new contract makes me want to buy Twins Tickets!

All is not quiet in Twins office

The Minnesota Twins office has been buzzing as visions of spring training are near and the annual Twins festival TwinsFest is even nearer. The Twins are still taking offers for Johan Santana with the hope that a deal can be done before they report to Fort Myers. The Twins are looking to get a superstar center fielder and top pitching prospect back in return for Santana. If Santana is indeed moved, then the focus of trade rumors likely will shift to Joe Nathan who is also in the final year of his contract. I hope the Twins don’t get too trade happy and leave the pitching staff with nothing.

Twins keep Joe Nathan

The Minnesota Twins picked up the $6 million option for 2008 play in Joe Nathans contract. The star closer has done well for the Twins and fans are happy to see him stay. Nathan, who will turn 33 on Thanksgiving, has recorded 160 saves along with a 1.94 ERA over his four seasons with the Twins. He ranks second on the club's all-time saves list, trailing only Rick Aguilera (254), and became the first Twins pitcher to record 35 or more saves in four consecutive seasons.

"I don't think it's a surprise to anyone," Twins general manager Bill Smith said of the club's decision to pick up the option. "Joe Nathan has been a big part of this club for the last few years and hopefully for years to come."

By picking up the Joe Nathan option, the Twins now have seven players under contract for 2008, bringing their salary total as of now up to $30.9 million. That includes Johan Santana ($13.25 million), Joe Mauer ($6.25 million), Nick Punto ($2.4 million), Jesse Crain ($1.05 million), Dennys Reyes ($1 million) and Mike Redmond ($950,000).

Nathan’s ERA Great, But Closer Needs More Chances

Joe Nathan fantasy baseball owners have been frustrated all season long with the Minnesota Twins’ under use of their top-notch closer. It seems like Nathan doesn’t get as many opportunities to close out games when compared to other closers in the Central Division, partly because the Twins haven’t won as many games as the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians, but also partly because the save situations haven’t come up. Joe Borowski of the Indians isn’t anywhere near the caliber of pitcher Joe Nathan is, but somehow he has managed to gather eight more saves on the year. Todd Jones of the Tigers is another shaky closer, with an ERA near five, but he too is ahead of Nathan in saves with 27. Even Bobby Jenks, the Chicago White Sox bullish save man has six more saves than Nathan, and the White Sox are behind the Twins in the standings. Nathan is an extremely valuable player to the Twins, but his value can unfortunately only be measured by how much the Twins can use him. Joe Nathan is a definite fan favorite and the HHH Metrodome goes crazy when he takes the mound. Nathan can definitely help sell Minnesota Twins Tickets as long as he is in the game doing his job. Let's go Twins!

Joe Nathan Loses the Game

I was shocked to see Joe Nathan fold under the pressure of yesterdays Minnesota Twins vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays game. Do you suppose Mr. Nathan isn’t getting as much rest as he needs on this big home stand? He does have a newborn baby to tend to and perhaps the long sleepless nights finally caught up to our star closer. It was Joe Nathans first loss since September 6th, 2005. The loss allowed Tampa Bay to split the four-game series. I have to say this Minnesota Twins fan was wrong on her prediction that the Twins would only lose one of the games. More upsetting than my prediction being wrong was that Twins third baseman, Nick Punto, sprained his ankle and is out until further notice leaving the Twins without an experienced player at that position.

The Minnesota Twins now begin a six game road trip to play the Seattle Mariners and the Kansas City Royals. Let’s hope our hometown boys can remain healthy and strong and win a few baseball games!