MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Twins have exercised their $6 million option on closer Joe Nathan.
| GM | W | L | BB | K | ERA |
| 68 | 4 | 2 | 19 | 77 | 1.88 |
The move was expected and ensures that the two-time All-Star will be back for another season in Minnesota.
The Twins could have bought Nathan out for $1 million. But the right-hander's 160 saves and a 1.94 ERA over the past four years make his salary a bargain by market value. He turns 33 next month.
Last year, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera and Mets closer Billy Wagner each made $10.5 million. And seven other closers made as much or more than Nathan will make next year.
If the Twins want to keep him past next year, it's certainly going to cost them a lot more. Nathan and his agent, Dave Pepe, have said they're open to another extension. But the team has many pressing issues this winter.
Center fielder Torii Hunter will be a free agent next month, and fellow All-Star Johan Santana has only one more season left on his contract. And first baseman Justin Morneau has a hefty raise coming through arbitration.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
Source: ESPN.com
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