Minnesota’s Joe Nathan Out As Closer, Matt Capps In

Nathan, of course, missed the entire 2010 season while recovering from Tommy John Surgery. Installed in his old spot as the Twins’ closer this spring, Nathan converted his first three save chances but wasn’t dominant and hasn’t been throwing as hard as he used to.

Capps converted 16 of 18 save opportunities after joining the Twins just before the trade deadline last July. Meanwhile, Nathan’s struggles are just another example of the problems that have Minnesota in the American League Central’s basement.