jpzx
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Maybe I'm just trying to spin this positively somehow, but I don't see this being THAT crucial of a blow as some are predicting.Originally Posted by Stringer Bell 32
Huge blow for the Twins in regards to Nathan.
I could easily see this being what decides the Central
The Twins have a deep bullpen coming into this season: Neshek, Guerrier, Mijares, Rauch, Condrey, Duensing, etc. I'm sure through trial and error ONE of those guys will step up and be able to be effective in the closer's role. I mean, out of those six guys I just listed (and there are more) I'd be really shocked if one wouldn't be able to step up and pitch a 1-2-3 inning without letting a run in at a consistent basis. When you step back and look at it, the role of a closer really should be a lot simpler than it is. The pressure gets to them I guess? Losing Nathan will no doubt cost the Twins a few games, but this is anything but catastrophic. I know the AL Central has come down to a play-in game the last two seasons so when I say losing Nathan will "cost the Twins a few a wins" it probably sounds worse than it should due to thse few points:
-During the whole first month of April last season the Twins were without Joe Mauer.
-During the whole last month of September last season the Twins were without Justin Morneau.
-Added Orlando Hudson.
-Added J.J. Hardy.
-Francisco Liriano is poised for a bounce back year after tearing up the Dominican League.
-Pat Neshek who was absolutely filthy before he got hurt is finally back (not positive how he'll react yet though).
I don't know. Those few wins that we will inevitably lose without Nathan do not seem like a big deal considering all of the above factors.
That's my positive spin. I'm nervous, but I'm still confident. I don't know the last time a closer by committee worked....