Major League Baseball

Twins will use closer-by-committee

Published Mar. 28, 2010 6:09 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Ken Rosenthal

The Twins' answer to the question, "Who will replace Joe Nathan?" is no answer.

At least not yet.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Sunday that barring a late change, the team will use a closer-by-committee to open the season.

The Twins still could trade for a closer such as Blue Jays right-hander Jason Frasor. But if such a move does not occur, Gardenhire will try a variety of options at the start of the season.

Gardenhire mentioned four possibilities – right-handers Jon Rauch, Jesse Crain and Matt Guerrier and left-hander Jose Mijares.

Nathan underwent Tommy John surgery on Friday and is out for the season. Left-hander Francisco Liriano, thought to be a candidate for the closer's role, is expected to be named the fifth starter.

"If we decide to go with one guy as we go along, we'll go with one guy," Gardenhire said. "But we're going to start out, look at a lot of different people and see what happens. We've got three or four guys I think can do it."

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball