MLB Betting Preview: Twins May Be Without Closer Nathan For Season

The Minnesota Twins have a manager in Ron Gardenhire that has made due with what he has been provided in past seasons. The Twins have almost always competed for a division title with Gardenhire managing, and this year was supposed to be no different.

Gardenhire, however, will have to show off those managerial skills early on after the Twins may have lost closer Joe Nathan for the entire season. Nathan tore ligaments in his elbow, and will wait two weeks to decide if surgery is needed.

If Nathan has to undergo Tommy John surgery, his season will be lost. That will leave Minnesota struggling to find a replacement before the first pitch of the season is even thrown. Joe Rauch may become the front runner since he has had some experience closing games in Arizona.

The Twins will also be dealing with the distraction of Joe Mauer's contract situation throughout the year. Mauer has indicated that he would like to re-sign with the Twins, but has yet to receive an offer. It will most likely take at least $100 million to keep one of the leagues premiere players.

In the Central this season, the Tigers and White Sox are again expected to challenge Minnesota for the top spot. Detroit added Johnny Damon, and the White Sox have signed several players that could return them to contention.

The Twins won the division last year by catching Detroit in the final two weeks of the season. Minnesota then was bounced from the playoffs in the divisional round by the eventual World Series champion New York Yankees.

March 10, 2010
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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