Didn't they read Moneyball?

Twins extend closer Nathan's contract until 2011.

Sigh. Didn't the Twins read Moneyball? I read that book and absolutely loved it. And while I don't necessarily subscribe to everything it says, I agree with much of it. For example, I don't agree the lack of value it places on defense or stealing bases, but I completely agree with the idea of drafting proven college players over untested high school players.

I can't stand it when people talk about how great a high school football player is and how he is going to be so great when he gets to college. In high school, 95% of the players are awful, especially compared with the players at the college level. Showing me a YouTube video of some dude running circles around a bunch of 14-18 year olds is extraordinarily not impressive. Whatever!

Anyway, back on the subject of Moneyball and the Twins. One of the things that book talks about is the amazing emphasis that has recently been placed on closers and how undeserved it really is to value them so highly. It will save a team a lot of money and generally not make much difference if they just fill the closer's position with any good reliever. If a pitcher can't get three outs without giving up one or more runs on a regular basis, he probably shouldn't be on your team anyway. Perhaps the Twins should have let Nathan go, or traded him, and filled their holes at any infield position except catcher and first base...

Oh well, could be a long year for the Twins. Don't get me wrong, I like Nathan, but after reading Moneyball I just can't get behind paying him that much to keep him around