Check out video of Joe making his first throws since he underwent Tommy John surgery this Spring. There’s also an interview with Joe where he provides an update on his rehab and thoughts about his throwing session.
Archive for the ‘Stats and Milestones’ Category
Joe wins his first Rolaids Relief Man award
Friday, October 9th, 2009
(From Newsday.com)
Joe Nathan and Mariano Rivera were named co-winners of the 2009 American League Rolaids Relief Man Award, the first tie in the 33-year history of the award that is given to the best relievers in baseball. Nathan (47 saves, 2.10 ERA) and Rivera (44 saves and a 1.76 ERA) both accumulated 132 Rolaids Relief Man points during the regular season. Heath Bell (42, 2.71 ERA) of the Padres was the National League winner with 121 points.
For Nathan, it is the first time he’s won the award while Rivera is taking home the trophy – a silver fireman’s helmet mounted on a silver pedestal – for the fourth time, tying him with Rollie Fingers and Bruce Sutter for second place all-time behind Dan Quisenberry, who won it five times.
A reliever is given two points for a win, three points for a save and loses two points for a loss. Beginning in 1987, blown saves also count as two-point loss. And in 2000, Rolaids began awarding 4 points for a tough save, when a reliever enters a game with the tying run already on base and gets the save.
Joe Saves!
Friday, October 2nd, 2009
Joe Nathan recorded his 46th save of the season tonight, setting a new Twins team record and a career best. Eddie Guardado previously held the Twins team record (Guardado recorded 45 saves for the Twins in 2002). Previous to this year, Joe’s career high in saves was 44 set in 2004, Joe’s first full season as a closer.
The Twins are now 1 game behind the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central Division race with 2 left to play.
2009 All Star Game recap
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009
Joe Nathan entered the 2009 All Star Game in the bottom of the 8th inning with the AL leading the NL 4-3.
JoeNate faced Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann to start the 8th and retired him on a foul pop-up to catcher Victor Martinez.
Ryan Zimmerman hit the first pitch he saw from Joe and flew out to right fielder Adam Jones for out number two.
After that, Nathan ran into a bit of trouble, walking Adrian Gonzalez and giving up a hit to Orlando Hudson that carommed off of former teammate Jason Bartlett’s glove, leaving runners at 1st and 3rd. After Hudson stole 2nd, Nathan struck out pinch hitter Ryan Howard with a nasty pitch in the dirt.
Joe recorded a Hold once Yankees closer Mariano Rivera closed out the National League in the bottom of the 9th.
Players choice
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009
Joe Nathan was named to his 4th career All Star team this year. Making it extra special, was that Nathan was selected to the team by his peers - Major League Baseball players. “The players, they probably know the game the best. It’s exciting to see that we deserve to belong. It’s a pretty good feeling to see my name on the list. It’s a compliment.”
Expect to see Joe to pitch the 8th inning tonight for the AL squad.
Delayed Delivery
Monday, July 13th, 2009
Joe Nathan was named the Delivery Man of the Month for June. JoeNate was 11 for 11 in save opportunities and had a 0.00 ERA.
This was the third time Joe has been awarded the Delivery Man of the Month award. The other times were both in July. First in 2006 and again in 2008.
For full coverage, click HERE.
Joe and Joe (and Justin) heading to St. Louis
Sunday, July 5th, 2009
Joe Nathan was named to the 2009 American League All Star Team today. Joe will be joined by teammates Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau in St. Louis. Nathan will be making his fourth appearance in the Midsummer Classic. Joe also played in the 2004, 2005, and 2008 games.
In his previous three appearances, Joe has thrown 3 innings, given up 1 earned run, and struck out three.
First timer
Monday, June 29th, 2009
Ryan Sadowski because the first San Francisco Giants pitcher in more than a decade to win his major league debut.
Joe Nathan was the last Giants pitcher to win in his first start in The Bigs. On April 21, 1999, Joe pitched 7 scoreless innings and recorded 4 strikeouts in a win over the Florida Marlins.
Interleague mastery
Friday, June 26th, 2009
The National League does not like to see Joe Nathan on the mound. Dating back to 2005, the Twins have won 31 straight interleague games when Nathan has pitched.
Nathan entered the Twins vs. Cardinals game tonight in the ninth inning with a two run lead. After giving up a lead-off double to Colby Rasmus, Nathan struck out Albert Pujols and retired Ludwick and Ankiel to end the game.
The save was Nathan’s 18th of the year.
