If Joe Nathan broke out the customary cigars last week over the birth of his second child, he’s probably holding a few smokes in reserve for another celebration. A new contract would be cause for an additional special moment in the life of arguably baseball’s best relief pitcher.
Nathan told Sports Headliners yesterday that “I’d love it” to finish his career as a Minnesota Twin. Without a new contract, the Twins could lose Nathan after the 2008 season. Nathan is contractually signed through the 2007 season. The Twins have the option of picking up his contract for the 2008 season at an already agreed upon salary (made specific as part of the contract he signed in 2005). If the team doesn’t exercise its option, there is a buyout for an undisclosed amount of money, according to a Twins spokesman.
Nathan, 32, wants to stay here if a satisfactory contract can be negotiated and has given his agent the okay to continue to pursue a deal. “I’ve showed interest,” he said. That interest is based on several factors including the organization’s patience and assistance in helping him develop into a premier relief pitcher. At the start of this season his 123 saves dating back to 2004 were second among major league relief pitchers to Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman, both with 130. Nathan saved 36 of 38 save opportunities last season and so far in 2007 is three for three.
He’s also interested in remaining with the Twins because he “loves the city” and is optimistic about the club’s future with so much young talent. He hopes his agent can complete a deal before the season ends.
Nathan’s loyalty to the Twins made headlines last week when he was willing to pitch for the team on the day his wife gave birth to their first daughter. Nathan said although he was “floating that day” he could have focused enough to pitch effectively.
Compartmentalizing his personal and professional lives is part of Nathan’s success in both. “Just a matter of separating the two,” he said.
Even if he has a difficult experience at the ballpark, Nathan keeps a focus on other things at home. At the ballpark he has a routine that helps him get ready mentally and physically including running and throwing.