Joe Nathan: Hear Me

September 27th, 2006

Listen, Joe Nathan. Just because you’re one of the best closers in baseball, and because you have a soul patch, and because you endorse those delicious ice cream sandwiches available from Metrodome concessions doesn’t mean you can continue to make the ninth inning a collective heart attack for Twins fans.

Joe Nathan entered the game in the ninth but walked Emil Brown, then threw wildly to second on Angel Berroa’s sacrifice bunt attempt. Phillips bunted the runners over, and Shane Costa was walked intentionally.

Bases loaded. One out. Nathan fought back to strike out Angel Sanchez and David DeJesus for his 36th save. Nathan’s escape allowed Twins lefthander Johan Santana to improve his record to 19-6 and lead the majors in victories.

Could it be that you can’t get comfortable on the mound until you’ve put some runners on base? That you can’t do your job without the Dome crowd on its feet, cheering you as you snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. You, my friend, my lethal sandman, must take into consideration the feelings of those of us in the nosebleed sections of the upper deck. Those of us with few nerves left after this season’s wild ride. Those of us experiencing a rapid acceleration in hair loss.

Please. Just smoke three batters in the ninth and forget the baserunners. Sheesh.