Joe Nathan said he could pitch Sunday if needed, which would be his third consecutive day with an appearance. Coming off Tommy John surgery last season, Nathan didn't throw in three consecutive days even once in 2011. "Everything feels great," Nathan said. "The last two nights I didn't really tax my arm too much, so I can go." It's good news for the veteran's fantasy owners that Nathan is prepared to take the ball more often this season. Durability is still an issue, however.

Joe Nathan protected a one-run lead with a perfect ninth Friday against the White Sox. It was his first save for Texas after 260 with the Twins (and one with the Giants) Nathan gave up eight runs in seven innings this spring, taking three losses in the process, but the Rangers are still showing plenty of confidence in him, publicly at least. He got the job done today, retiring Alexei Ramirez, Dayan Viciedo and Gordon Beckham in order.

Joe Nathan is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Thursday against the White Sox. Nathan is throwing without any restrictions this spring and isn't worried about his surgically-repaired elbow. The 37-year-old right-hander signed a two-year, $14.5 million contract with the Rangers in November and is expected to serve as the team's closer this season with Neftali Feliz moving to the starting rotation.

Rangers signed RHP Joe Nathan to a two-year, $14 million contract with a $9 million club option for 2014. Nathan agreed to the deal and took his physical in Texas on Monday night, then got introduced at a press conference Tuesday morning. The 37-year-old will take over at closer for the Rangers with Neftali Feliz transitioning to the starting rotation. Nathan found his groove in the second half of the 2011 season and should be able to ride that momentum into a solid 2012. He'll be a coveted fantasy closer once again.

Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Joe Nathan will earn $7 million per season in 2012 and 2013. The contract includes a $9 million option for 2013 or a $500,000 buyout. Nathan passed a physical on Monday night and will be introduced during a press conference on Tuesday, which also happens to be his 37th birthday. The veteran right-hander will enter the 2012 season just 39 saves short of 300 for his career.

According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Joe Nathan's new contract with the Rangers is worth a total of $14.5 million. Nathan signed a two-year deal with a club option for a third year. While the veteran right-hander initially struggled upon returning from Tommy John surgery this year, his strong second half indicates that he could be a decent value at these terms, especially in the light of the outrageous contract the Phillies gave to Jonathan Papelbon. The Rangers are expected to finalize the agreement during a press conference Tuesday.

According to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com, the Rangers have signed reliever Joe Nathan. Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports that Nathan will receive a two-year deal with a club option for a third year. Nathan, who turns 37 on Tuesday, made his way back from Tommy John surgery this season, posting a 4.84 ERA and 43/14 K/BB ratio over 44 2/3 innings this season. He will take the closer's role from Neftali Feliz, who will make his long-awaited move to the starting rotation.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan said the team wants to re-sign free agent reliever Joe Nathan back and thinks Nathan wants to return to Minnesota. Ryan admitted, though, that it will depend on how much money Nathan wants. The Twins declined Nathan's $12.5 million option for 2012 and will probably only want to pay him around half that much to return. The 37-year-old struggled in the first half this season after coming back from Tommy John surgery but began to regain his form after the All-Star break, posting a 1.00 WHIP and 22/5 K/BB ratio over 23 innings.

Joe Nathan told Newsday on Saturday that he would be open to signing with the Mets this offseason. The Twins declined Nathan's $12.5 million option for 2012 on Tuesday, making him a free agent. He went to high school and college in New York, and wouldn't mind returning to the state to finish out his career. "The Mets are going to be on my radar," the right-hander said. "It's a team I followed growing up around this area. That would be exciting."

Joe Nathan's agent David Pepe said his client will seek an opportunity to close as a free agent this winter. The Twins declined Nathan's $12.5 million option this week, though they hope to re-sign him at a lesser salary. The veteran right-hander returned from Tommy John surgery this season and posted a 4.84 ERA, 14 saves and a 43/14 K/BB ratio over 44 2/3 innings. He should draw interest around the league, but his velocity isn't what it was before surgery and the market will be crowded with veteran closer-types.