Sad news. Just a link:

 

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/120038934/joe-nathan-to-have-season-ending-right-elbow-surgery

Good luck to him. Always a fan.

There was a lot of heartbreak and awesomeness in his run here, hope he enjoys his retirement.  He had a helluva career.

Another example of the Twins successfully turning a starter into a successful reliever.  Joe Nathan was a great one for the Twins.

 

Another example of the Twins successfully turning a starter into a successful reliever.  Joe Nathan was a great one for the Twins.

well, he was a reliever his last year with the Giants, and a very good one too.  The Twins just didn't switch him back to a starter because the Giants already figured out he wasn't starter material.

Edited April 23, 201511 yr by jimmer

I remember when I met him at TwinsFest after he had been traded to the Twins- I still have the picture from back when you could take pictures with the players for free. I said "Welcome to Minnesota" and he somewhat surprisingly said "Oh, thank you!" He was a good player for the Twins, best wishes to him.

Sounds like he's not planning on retiring... Not quite sure if anyone will give him a chance given his age and his struggles last year, but regardless... best of luck to him.

I'll always remember Joe Nathan fondly!!! He saved a lot of games for the Twins.

 

You wonder why he'd want to return at 40+, he's made a LOT of money, the last couple of years he really hasn't been that good, why not fade away while you're still on top??