The Boston Red Sox are horrible when it comes to saves, tied last with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Texas Rangers have placed Joe Nathan on the market, should the Red Sox try to make an offer or are they okay with Koji Uehara?
Nathan is a veteran who has plenty of playoff experience as he was the Minnesota Twins' closer. He's even been in a World Series, though long ago, back in 2003 as a member of the San Francisco Giants. Though he hasn't had much look in the postseason, posting a career 9.00 ERA in nine innings pitched, he could be a great presence for the Red Sox's bullpen.
At least for regular season purposes, the Red Sox can go after Nathan. He can guarantee success late in the game. In 2013, Nathan has 32 saves for the Rangers. Uehara has been great, but he's not an ideal closer. Nathan has closed his entire career and can be a great asset to the bullpen, maybe giving Uehara some tips, along with the rest of the other relievers in the Red Sox's team.
Once the postseason comes around, the Red Sox might want to give Uehara the ball as Nathan's numbers aren't too impressive. Yes, the Red Sox's focus is winning a championship, but in order to win the World Series, they would have to make the playoffs. The Tampa Bay Rays are making a run in the A.L. East and you can't expect the Rangers to stay with the arms crossed and remain six games back in the A.L. West.
Nathan was already sought after one of baseball's favorite to win it all in October, the Detroit Tigers.
However, after the Tigers acquired Jose Veras on Monday, it looks as though their interest for Nathan has dissipated. The rumor is that the Rangers are asking for too much in exchange for Nathan. The Red Sox have Shane Victorino in right-field, which is what the Rangers are seeking. However, Victorino is not the prototypical power-hitter the Rangers want to substitute Nelson Cruz as a suspension is looming.
If the Red Sox can package a nice deal, they should make an offer for Nathan, who will only make the Red Sox's bullpen stronger. Nathan has a 1.73 ERA to go along with his 32 saves this season.
