20 experts say Joe Nathan over K-Rod

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com polled 28 general managers, assistant GMs, scouts and player personnel people by phone and email, 13 of whom feel Joe Nathan is more likely to regain his former glory, while 12 chose Francisco Rodriguez. The other three voters were undecided. Jon Heyman of SI.com recently said Nathan is looking to sign a new contract as a closer and not as a setup guy. Meanwhile, in a report for Newsday, Greg Logan said Nathan will consider joining the Mets as their closer this winter. The Twins declined the $12.5 million option in Nathan’s contract for 2012, electing to pay his $2 million buyout instead. He had 14 saves in 17 opportunities with a 4.84 ERA this past season after missing the entire 2010 season due to Tommy John Surgery. Michael Baron (Posted on Oct. 30, 2011): He’s local guy, who has made it clear he would play for the Mets; and so I could definitely see him with this team next season (though the Twins could still try to re-sign him, despite declining his ...