Behind the Diamond, Joe Nathan

(Duck, Duck, Gray Duck with Joe Nathan)

Now, it's time for a look behind the diamond with Joe Nathan.

Joe Nathan is arguably the best closer in baseball right now. Sure, K-Rod may have set some record this year, but guess who's good every year? J. Nathan. Twitchy, itchy, horse blowing, hat adjusting, uncomfortable Joe Nathan. He is the pitcher I love and hate to watch in action. You want to get behind him with 100% confidence, but he does his best to make you think he's having an anxiety attack. In turn, my heart skips beats when you're on the mound, Joe. It is a horribly wonderful experience to watch you.

Let's explore deeper:

Joseph Michael Nathan
D.O.B.: 11/22/1974
Birthplace: Houston, TX
Height: 6'4
Weight: 225lbs.
Bats/Throws: R/R
MLB Debut: 4/21/1999

Here are your stats for 2005-2007

Year	Team	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	SVO	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO
2005	MIN	7	4	2.70	69	0	0	0	43	48	70.0	46	22	21	5	22	94
2006	MIN	7	0	1.58	64	0	0	0	36	38	68.1	38	12	12	3	16	95
2007	MIN	4	2	1.88	68	0	0	0	37	41	71.2	54	15	15	4	19	77

Here are the 2008 stats:

	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	SVO	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO
2008	1	2	1.33	68	0	0	0	39	45	67.2	43	13	10	5	18	74

Negative: After serious examination, I've noticed that your strikeouts have gone down considerably, Joe. I'm not terribly concerned, because you're still getting the job done. I'd like to see a few more saves next year, but I realize that this isn't always in your control. Here's what you can control, though: in 2006 you had 2 blown saves, in 2007, you had 4 blown saves, and this year, you blew 6 saves. Let's not continue with adding two blown saves every year. Another thing I've noticed is that you don't fare nearly as well in non-save situations. Maybe you could just pretend they're all save situations from now on, because they are in my head.

Positive: Holy ERA! This is why I love you, Joe. You go out there, you get the job done and you take no prisoners. Meanwhile, your WHIP is less than 1 on the year. I'm impressed, J. N. You've really shown that the contract we signed you for was worth it (not that I doubted it for a second). You've got the world saying, "Mariano who?" "Fransisco what?" "Papelbon? Is that a French dessert?"

Negative: Check the attitude, Joe.

Positive: True story.

I'm looking forward to many more years of twitching.