Rangers Sign Nathan To 2-year Contract

The Texas Rangers signed closer Joe Nathan to a 2-year contract with a club option for 2014.  He'll make $7 Million in 2012 and 2013 and $9 Million in a club option in 2014.  Nathan was 2-1 with 4.84 ERA with the Twins in 2011 with 14 saves in 48 appearances.  Nathan missed all of 2010 after having Tommy John surgery.  Texas is shifting Neftali Feliz from the closer role to the starting pitching staff to allow Nathan to close.

Nathan is the all-time leader in saves in Twins history.  He passed Rick Aguilera in 2011.  The Twins will now look at free agency and within their organization to find a replacement at closer for the Twins in 2011.