With rotation for Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers introduce Joe Nathan – MLB News
The Texas Rangers on Tuesday, November 22 officially introduced Joe Nathan as their closer for 2012, creating enough space for Neftali Feliz for rotation. With the addition of Nathan, the Rangers can now have a safe closer, allowing Feliz to start the game
whenever needed.
Nathan brings a tremendous record with himself. An experience and excellence-personified player, Nathan has had 261 career saves and a stunning 2.38 ERA. Nathan, among other things, has the second lowest record among relievers in the active list.
He’s considered to be one of the most dependable closers of baseball currently, an asset that the Texas Rangers will certainly value.
The Rangers struck a $14.5 million deal with Nathan for two years. In his presence now, the Rangers can now look to Neftali Feliz for rotation. This will strengthen the pitching line-up for the team that qualified for the 2011 World Series.
Joe Nathan certainly inspires a lot of expectations as the Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels put it during Tuesday’s press conference.
"Obviously, we have high expectations after going to the World Series the last couple of years," said Rangers general manager Jon Daniels.
Daniels stated that Nathan is a successful closer with big-time makeup and all the accolades. The most important thing, however, is the conspicuous presence he will bring for the Texas Rangers.
Jon said, "But the most exciting thing about him is the makeup and the presence he brings. We felt if we moved Neftali to the rotation, we wanted to have a big-time presence to the back of the bullpen, and we felt we accomplished that."
Following Tommy John Surgery that he had in 2010 and missing the whole season, Nathan maintained an ERA of 4.84 in 2011. When the next season kicks off, there will definitely be a lot of pressure on Nathan to live up to the expectations. Judging from his
experience, he is indeed capable to manifest his excellence.
It will be interesting to see the impact that Nathan will have on the Rangers and how his addition to the team can bring about some positive results in the upcoming regular season.
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