To ensure an exciting season in Minnesota, Twins have closed the deal on Joe Nathan by paying $6 million to him. Though they could have bought Nathan out for $1 million, his 160 saves and 1.94 ERA for the past 4 years proves his salary to be a bargain by market value.

Nathan’s current contract was versed during spring training in 2005 where his previous deal earned him a salary of $3.75 million in 2006, $5.25 million in 2007 and now, $6 million in 2008.

Of course, if the Twins intend to keep him past next year, it will cost them a sum. Though Nathan and his agent Dave Pepe are open to extensions, the team has many pressing issues this winter to handle.