Joe Nathan Could Be Out As Detroit Tigers Closer
By Tony Fischer
As spring training started Brad Ausmus seemed pretty clear as to who would be part of the Detroit Tigers bullpen in 2015. Ausmus had indicated that the entire track record of success not recent failure would determine who would travel north with the team at the beginning of April.
But recent tweets by beat writer Lynn Henning might indicate that the Tigers skipper has had a change of heart.
Good follow-up performance by Angel Nesbitt should seal his deal making Tigers bullpen. Still going to be tough for Joe Nathan to survive.
— Lynn G. Henning (@Lynn_Henning) March 24, 2015
A shocking revelation to be sure and by a seasoned Tigers beat writer no less. Henning has been known to throw out a wild theory now and then but this tweet seems very definite. Nathan has struggled this spring while giving up 5 earned runs over just 7.2 innings pitched for a 5.87 ERA. Even more glaring is his inflated WHIP of 1.43.
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Normally inflated spring training stats would not be troubling especially for a seasoned major leaguer with a track record of success. But Nathan’s age, plummeting velocity and lack of control haven’t improved from last season leading some to believe his storied career is nearing a quick end. He could very well turn it around when the season starts but with a much improved division; the Tigers can’t afford to wait a month into the season to find out.
It should be noted that MLive beat writer Chris Iott’s assessment of Joe Nathan’s chances are not quite as dire. He predicts Nathan makes it on to the opening day roster but isn’t as confident in his ability to finish the season as the Tigers closer.
"From Chris Iott via MLive.comIf Joe Nathan struggles in 2015 the same way he did last season, it’s very possible that he will be replaced as the closer. He could even get released before the season is up. It’s easier to send a guy packing in the final year of his contract than it is before that point.But as far as the opening day roster goes, well, at this point I’m quite confident Nathan will be on it."
So who closes if Nathan can’t cut the mustard? Joakim Soria is having a great season and should be the odds on favorite with Bruce Rondon or Joba Chamberlain working set-up. With the an unknown like Rondon and questions about Chamberlain that combo shouldn’t instill much confidence. If Nathan can’t pitch anymore look for the Tigers to make another trade to bolster the bullpen and try to fix the $10 million mistake they made by signing Nathan in the first place.