Not too long ago, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he would employ a closer-by-committee approach with Joe Nathan out for the season. Now he’s gone and taken it back:
In Nathan’s Absence, Jon Rauch Named Twins’ Closer
Ron Gardenhire just told me Jon Rauch will be the Twins closer, not a committee as he said earlier this week.
The 6’11 Rauch certainly has a closer’s presence, and the righty is capable of getting his fastball up into the mid-90s. Last year, however, his strikeout rate dropped to its lowest level since 2004, while his walks climbed up, so it’s safe to say his grip on the closer’s role will be tenuous until or unless he establishes himself. He’ll be supported by Matt Guerrier, Jose Mijares, and Jesse Crain, and it’s possible - if not probable - that the Twins will continue exploring external options.
See More:
