Breaking news out of Dallas, as TR Sullivan of MLB.com is reporting that the two-time defending American League champion Texas Rangers have signed former Twins closer Joe Nathan. Terms have not been disclosed as of yet, but Ken Rosenthal is reporting that it's a two year deal with a club option. Jon Heyman is reporting that Nathan will be getting around $7 million a year, which seems to be a little much after his 2011 performance. The signing of Nathan will presumably allow incumbent Rangers closer Neftali Feliz to move to the starting rotation.
Last year was Nathan's first after Tommy John surgery in spring 2010, and he struggled at times. Nathan's strikeout rate dropped last season, from his career mark of 9.36 to 8.66. But with that decrease in strikeout rate, Nathan's walk rate fell as well, going from his career mark of 3.40 to 2.82. The major cause for Nathan's awful 4.84 ERA was a spike in his home run rate, going all the way up to 1.40 dingers per nine. ...
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November 22, 2011
