Bummer!!!

Joe Nathan pitching against Detroit in September 2008. pmPilgrim picture.

From Nick Nelson's Twins Blog

Between 2004 and 2009 Joe Nathan has been one of the most consistent forces in baseball, annually posting elite numbers from the closer position while remaining remarkably healthy and durable.

Nathan never appeared in fewer than 64 games and never pitched fewer than 67 2/3 innings. He never posted an ERA higher than 2.70, and never posted a WHIP higher than 1.01. He's had his blips from time to time, but for the most part Nathan has been a model of consistency.

In those six years, he racked up a whopping 246 saves, the highest total of any closer in baseball during that span. That figure places him just eight short of the Twins' all-time saves leader, Rick Aguilera, so Nathan seemed certain to claim his place in the franchise history this year.

Now, that won't happen this season. And it might not happen at all.

Opening Day is less than a month away. Opening Day at Target Field is 32 days ahead. But Joe Nathan won't be in the bullpen. They keep throwing the words "only" and "a miracle" around in the same sentence when talking about whether he will be able to play this year. He is injured and may need surgery.

What a way to start a season. In fact it hasn't even started.

And Joe Mauer isn't signed yet.

Twins fans might be getting a little nervous.