Joe Nathan brings experience and power to Texas Rangers’ line-up – MLB News
Joe Nathan, who was introduced on Tuesday, November 22 by the Texas Rangers as the closer for the team, stated that he looked forward to the upcoming season. The Rangers were in need of an accomplished closer to empower the pitching line-up; Joe Nathan has
the capability to do just that.
Having undergone surgery in 2010, he missed the whole season but since then has been making remarkable progress. Nathan called that a huge turning point and believes he has got his command back as his pitches have gotten sharper.
Describing what he felt about the Texas Rangers, he stated that he admired the team from an opposition’s point of view. The team’s special moment for Nathan was obviously this year’s World Series where they came to compete against the St. Louis Cardinals.
"It's pretty obvious that I have been able to admire this squad from the other side of the field over the past few years," Nathan said. "This club is a perfect fit for myself and my family. Getting to the postseason and the World Series is huge.”
But flexor tendon, the 2010 Tommy John surgery, still occupies a prominent place in his memory. Nathan, however, has a forward-looking approach, expressing his hope and optimism that things have changed for good.
Nathan said. "It seemed like every month I got better, with the way I was feeling and the way I was finishing pitches.”
There are a lot of positives about Nathan. From the 92.3 mph that he had in 2011, he has conquered control, having had 28.1 percent of his fastballs missed by the opponents, establishing evidence of his improving record.
The Rangers had frankly acknowledged that they were looking for Nathan; a candidate who was strongly considered for this position for the team. It now remains to be seen how Nathan executes wins for the Rangers given the multiple challenges lying ahead with
spring training that will commence soon.
The addition of Nathan will make a good team even better in the case with the Rangers.
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