Nathan Nearing Return

[catman]

He's throwing off a mound now. Here is a story: Spring Training 2011: Joe Nathan of Minnesota Twins throws off mound - ESPN

[love_that_reefer]

Good news. Thankfully for the Twins they have Capps as a Plan B.

[catman]

At the beginning of the season, Nathan is plan B. I'm not sure he won't start the season on the DL to give him a couple more weeks of facing live hitters.

[henks]

I am glad to see that he's coming along well. I'm with catman though, I'd rather see Caps start the season as the #1 closer and if Nathan is throwing well he can move back in to the position he earned.

[mntwinsfan]

^

We all know Gardy won't have Nathan as the backup closer. If Nathan is ready and the way it looks he will be, Joe get's the job and Matt becomes an expensive set up man.

[mntwinsfan]

One more thing I seen on espn that Nathan was throwing around 88 to 89 mph. Normally at this time he throws are 83 to 84 mph. So if we are looking at numbers he is ready.

[catman]

I'm a bit concerned that he might be pushing a bit too hard to come back. I'd like to see him back off just a bit and let his body heal completely. Its a long season and it is more important that he's there in September and October than March and April.

[mntwinsfan]

With who we lost due to players not being resigned, I see Nathan as a needed player for the pen when the season starts.

[henks]

I don't disagree with you mntwinsfan, I'm just saying at this juncture, we should be more concerned with Nathan's long-term ability to throw hard and be effective rather than him throwing gas in May.

[catman]

The Twins can stick a guy like Blackburn into the bullpen as the 8th inning guy if they need to for a while. They'd tell him to throw nothing but sinkers on the outside corner and he'd get outs that way. Capps can handle the 9th for a while if needed, and then take over full-time when Nathan's contract expires.