Joe Nathan Joins the Texas Rangers Pitching Staff

In a move to bolster their bullpen, the Texas Rangers have signed former Twins closer Joe Nathan to a 2-year $14.5 million deal with a buyout and team option in 2014. Nathan has been with the Twins since 2004, helping them to multiple division titles and earning himself the record of most saves by a Twins pitcher. The closer, who turns 37 today, has been one of the league's premiere closing pitchers. In 2010, he missed a season for Tommy John surgery and returned with some success in 2011 to a struggling Twins team that needed far more hope than a good closer.

Nathan leaves Minnesota having amassed a 2.87 career ERA of  and 260 saves in a Twins uniform. The Rangers plan to move current closer Neftali Feliz into the starting rotation to make room for Nathan.

For the Twins, this leaves yet another unanswered question for the 2012 season. In 2011, Matt Capps closed several games, earning 15 saves, 4 wins, and 7 losses; leaving much to be desired by fans and Twins staff.

Source: Minnesota Twins