Joe Nathan, A New York State of Mind?

Greg Logan of Newsday has reported that former Twins closer Joe Nathan would consider joining the New York Mets this winter as their closer. Joe Nathan, who is from Pine Bush, New York, attended a ceremony at his former school SUNY Stony Brook. He was in attendence to throw out the first pitch in dedication to the new baseball stadium. Nathan stated, "The Mets are a team on our radar for sure, but until we talk with them we can't be sure how well we fit." He also went on to say, "I know what playing in New York is about and I know how passionate the fans are about the teams they like - I was a Met fan growing up and my friends from the area are giving me pressure to give them strong consideration."

The Minnesota Twins had recently declined the $12.5 million option in Nathan's contract for 2012, in which they instead decided to pay the $2 million buyout. In his 2011 season, Joe Nathan had 14 saves in 17 save opportunities with an ERA of 4.84. Nathan missed all of the 2010 season due to Tommy John Surgery. During an interview last month on SNY, Sandy Alderson indicated that next season's closer was not currently on the Mets roster, and that he could acquire candidates who succeed into the role during Spring Training. Alderson also said he would be open to signing a free-agent closer to fill the void. If the Mets sign Nathan this off-season, he will be reunited with his former team mate Johan Santana.

2011 Season

ERA	SV	SO	WHIP
4.84	14	43	1.16
Career
2.87	261	761	1.11