Joe Nathan likely to New York Mets – MLB Update
The New York Mets have two top priorities for the offseason; resolving Jose Reyes’ matter and strengthening their somewhat deteriorated bull-pen.
For Reyes, the management has decided to make an uninspiring to allow the player test other teams as well. The intention, however, is to bring in a high-quality closer who can replace Francisco Rodriguez.
Rodriguez was acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers on the mid-season trade deadline and ever since, there has been no consistent performer for the Mets. Bobby Parnell and Tim Byrdak are the only pitchers certain for a bull-pen spot from the current pool of
hurlers for the 2012 season.
As for Reyes, the management wants to retain their home-grown All-Star slugger, but at a lower price. However, if Reyes goes for a more lucrative offer, the Mets have Ruben Tejada ready as his replacement.
As for the closer, Minnesota Twins’ Joe Nathan has expressed his desire to play for the Mets. The 36-year-old pitcher is keen to make his mark on the mound after an ordinary 2011 following a Tommy John Surgery in 2010. Nathan is well aware of the fact that
the Mets will not spend heavily on his acquisition, but the right-hander has little issues with this.
Nathan became a free agent last week when the Twins bought out his 12.5-million-dollar option for two-million-dollars. The management has hinted on re-signing the closer, but this seems to be a distant possibility now, given the fact that the player himself
is not interested.
The closer signalled that the Mets are surely a team to consider, but added that nothing can be finalised until talks get underway. He continued that he was a Mets’ fan during his early days and is thus getting pressurised from friends to give this opportunity
a serious consideration.
Joe saved 47 games in 2009, but elbow injury forced him to miss the next season. He returned in 2011, but did not do well during the first half of the season. Nevertheless, he returned to form after the All-Star break, saving 11 games in as many chances
and going 1-0 at a 3.91 ERA.
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