Better Late Than Never, Giants Sign Joe Nathan
Nearly 16 years ago, pitcher Joe Nathan packed his bags along with teammates Francisco Liriano and Boof Bonser, as they made their move from the San Francisco Giants to the Minnesota Twins.
The Giants made what is considered one of the franchise's worst trades ever when they sent Nathan, Liriano and Bonser to the Twins for catcher A.J. Pierzynski back in 2003. Now, with three World Series rings since then, the Giants welcome home their one-time reliever.
Nathan, 41, signed a minor league deal with the club on Tuesday, hoping to be called up to help their aching bullpen before September. He was signed by the Chicago Cubs back in May after a recent Tommy John surgery, but has only appeared in three games all season (all in July). In those three appearances, he has two innings pitched, allowed two hits, two walks and struck out four.
The Giants drafted Nathan in the sixth round of the 1995 draft out of Stoney Brook University, originally as a starter. In his third year on the big league roster, however, the Giants made the change for him to become a reliever.
In the first year out of the bullpen, Nathan's stock rose greatly. His 2.96 ERA in 79 innings (78 appearances) was the best on the team outside of closer Tim Worrell.
Once the trade to the Twins happened, Nathan would go on to become one of the greatest closers the in the game.
A six-time All-Star, a Rolaids Relief Pitcher of the Year award-winner and the owner of the eighth-most saves ever (377), Nathan has been missed in the hearts of Giants fans for more than a decade.
There's been Worrell, Armando Benitez, Brian Wilson, Sergio Romo, Santiago Casilla and parts of Matt Herges and Tyler Walker labeled as the closer for the Giants over the years since the trade. Some have been great at times, and some have been a nightmare (looking at you, Armando).
Meanwhile, Nathan has posted a 2.37 ERA in more than 650 appearances during that span.
With Casilla currently giving up leads left and right, his time as the Giants closer may soon be coming to an end. Maybe Nathan can step in and show the franchise what it's been missing (you know, besides the rings).
He is expected to pitch with the Sacramento River Cats in Triple-A for a while until he proves he can last in the big leagues for another playoff run.
Welcome back, Joe.