Tests done on Joe Nathan's throwing arm revealed a serious tear which could require season ending Tommy John Surgery.Nathan, 35, signed a $47 million contract two years ago. Over the past six seasons, he has recorded the most saves in the Majors, with 246.
Nathan will try to throw again in a couple of weeks. If it works out, Nathan will likely begin the season. If it doesn't, surgery will be the answer. This surgery will indefinitely end the 2010 season for Nathan, and will put the 2011 season in question.
The Twins have relied on Nathan ever since they obtained him in 2004. He has undoubtedly been one of the most reliable closers in the game. You don't speak about success in Minnesota without talking about Joe Nathan.
Losing Nathan throws the Twins into a spiral of questions. It is almost impossible to replace him, and will be a very difficult burden to overcome. Quite simply, if the Twins are going to have any success, they will need Joe Nathan.
If the surgery happens, it is unlikely that Nathan will be fully healed until mid-2011 or likely even 2012. At that time, he will be 37. At 37, you can bet he won't be the pitcher he is today.
So, this surgery would likely mean the end of the Nathan era. Although he would return, his production would likely take a hit. The Twins -- an already sub-par team -- cannot afford to let that happen.
Nathan would take years to replace, which means that the Twins could be entering a stage of below average success. It may last one year, it may last five, but if Nathan goes down, it will happen.
So what would happen to the Twins? Despite their production spiking downward, one big situation comes to mind.
Joe Mauer is already questioning his future with the Twins. If he knows that the Twins are going to be unsuccessful in the near future, he won't stick around. Mauer has said he wants to go somewhere where he can win, and Minnesota -- without Joe Nathan -- is just not that place.
jess.coleman@classactsports.com
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