Joe Nathan torn UCL, TJ on the way?

[Lintyfresh85]

From rotoworld.com

Joe Nathan has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament.

Nathan will wait two weeks for some of the swelling in his elbow to subside, then he will try to throw a baseball. If it does not go well, the Twins closer will have to decide whether to undergo Tommy John surgery. He should be counted out for the 2010 season at this point. Jon Rauch, who has closing experience and was added to the Twins' bullpen in August, might be asked to take over ninth-inning duties if Nathan decides to have surgery. Matt Guerrier was excellent last season and could also handle the role.

Maybe the Nats could flip Capps to them for a prospect?

[blue911]

Nathan looked terrible in the playoffs. Maybe clubs ought to give MRI's at the end of the season as opposed to exit interviews. 

[Lintyfresh85]

I though everyone got an exit physical?

[DPMOmaha]

Well, that makes the race in the AL central a little more interesting...and it hasn't even started yet.

[The Chief]

Guess that helps explain why he sucked in the playoffs.

[PANatsFan]

Capps and Marrero for Edwin Jackson whoops, I mean Blackburn.

[KnorrForYourMoney]

Capps and Marrero for Edwin Jackson whoops, I mean Blackburn.

Scott Baker

[Lintyfresh85]

Pat Neshek!

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Complete bummer.  This is why having long term expectations about a reliever is dumb.  I don't recall anyone saying he had a bad motion or build.  Sad to say, but the Nats probably exploited the releiver bnurnm out rate very well with Chad Cordero and Luis Ayala.

This makes Rivera all the more remarkable, and probably confirms why Papelbon will never be signed for more than a year by the Red Sox.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Capps and Dukes for Cuddyer.

[blue911]

Capps and Dukes for Cuddyer.

Cuddyer and Willingham? Unless we can "close" a field, no thanks.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Cuddyer and Willingham? Unless we can "close" a field, no thanks.

Nyjer would lose 30 pounds running both ways.

[blue911]

Nyjer would lose 30 pounds running both ways.

What do you mean "Nyjer runs both ways"? 

[nats2playoffs]

The Wookie, Jon Rauch, has been named as the closer, per the MASN broadcast today.