Twins Secure Nathan

Last season, Joe Nathan made his first appearance as a closer. For recognizing Nathan's talent, the Twins were rewarded with an All-Star performance. The hard throwing right hander converted 44 of 47 saves, including a team record 27 in a row. He posted a 1.62 E.R.A. and struck out 89 batters in 73 games.

Nathan will make $2 million this season, which is the final year of his current contract. Next year he will take home $3.75 million and $5.25 million the following season.

This is yet another example of Terry Ryan's tendency to secure his top pitchers and fill the field with solid defensive players. What these players are able to do at the plate is important, but down a ways on the list of prerequisites of being a Twin.

It's tough to argue with any of the moves Ryan has made recently. He wrapped up the Cy Young award winner and inked Juan Rincon to a two-year deal. We still have guys like Torii Hunter, Jacque Jones and Shannon Stewart. All this from a small-market club that hasn't allowed its general manager to increase spending in over two seasons.

Somehow Terry Ryan always makes it work. The Nathan signing is just one more in a long list of examples.