Report: Tigers Reach 2-Year, $20 Million Deal With Joe Nathan
By: Pat Caputo
@patcaputo98
Free agent closer Joe Nathan reportedly signed a two-year deal worth $20 million with the Detroit Tigers Monday, a day after trading away starter Doug Fister.
Last season, Nathan saved 43 of 46 chances with a 1.39 ERA with 73 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings pitched. Nathan, 39, a six-time All-Star, had Tommy John surgery that cost him the 2010 season.
So, is it a good move to bring him on?
Pat Caputo of 97.1 The Ticket breaks it down here:
1. Despite being in his late 30s, Nathan still has superior stuff. He struck out far more than a hitter per inning last year and his WHIP was a very impressive .897. He is still a premier closer.
2. Nathan is very motivated. He has never been part of a world championship team. He and his former teammate at Minnesota, Torii Hunter, going for the World Series title together would provide quite a bit of emotion for the Tigers.
3. It would be filling, in my opinion, the Tigers' most glaring need with the best available candidate for the spot, and could very well put the Tigers over the top.
