Jesse Crain may find himself in the closer role. Joe Nathan will be resting to avoid surgery on a torn ligament in his elbow. Jesse’s name has been brought up in discussion along with Pat Neshek, Matt Guerrier, and Jon Rauch. Rauch has the most experince closer going 26 of 44 in the closers role.
Jonathon Mayo of MLB.com reports “If it’s power stuff they’re looking for, Jesse Crain has the kind of repertoire that fits the role. Once given “future closer” status, Crain twice saved 19 games in a season in the Minors, including in 2004, the year he received his first callup to Minnesota. But he’s collected just two saves at the big league level.” Joe Nathan was traded to Minnesota at before the start of 2004 season.
