If Joe Nathan has to get Tommy John surgery, how do you think it will affect the Twins chances? I still think the Twins will win the division, the problem is it moves everybody up a spot in the bullpen. It could cost them a couple of wins, but I still think they will win enough games to beat out the White Sox and Tigers. Because everyone in the bullpen would take on heavier roles, I think the injury does put more pressure on the starting rotation to perform well.

I think Joe Nathan is THE best closer in baseball, which is hard to say as a Yankees fan. (Mariano is greatest of all times, a healthy Joe Nathan is greatest right now.) So, does this hurt their chances? Yes. But, they've got a couple possibilities for a temporary replacement. They've got Guerrier who can probably get the job done, Rauch who has closer experience, and apparently, some guy named Slamma (or something like that) who has been lights out in the minors. I think the Tigers are now the favorite, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Twins with the division anyway....then get killed in the first round of the playoffs.

Papelbon and Rivera are both better than him, and no it wont hurt them that much Jon Rauch can close it may cost the 1 or two gms.

I think Rivera is better than Nathan too. I do think Nathan is underrated, but he has not helped himself with bad playoff performances, especially against the Yankees. If they struggle out of the bullpen, they may pick someone up at the deadline to close the games or at least give them depth.