Twins give Nathan, Rincon 2-year deals

La Velle E. Neal III
Star Tribune

FORT MYERS, FLA. -- The Twins on Friday moved to lock up their pitching staff beyond this season by reaching agreement with relievers Joe Nathan and Juan Rincon on two-year contracts.

Nathan, who saved 44 games last season in his first year as a closer, has agreed to a two-year extension deal worth about $10 million. The Twins hold an option for 2008 for about $7 million.

Rincon, who was 11-6 with a 2.63 ERA last season as the primary setup man, agreed to a two-year deal for about $1.3 million. A source with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed both salaries.

The Twins, taking the initiative, approached Nathan and Rincon in recent weeks about the deals. Each pitcher was willing to give up the chance of earning more money later for a couple of years of stability.

The Twins now have 10 players under contract for next season, including six pitchers. Their 2005 payroll will be between $56 million and $58 million.

"We're trying to do things," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. "We're trying to reward people, trying to put people's minds at ease. Many of the players we have on multiyear contracts have been very productive for us."

Nathan said he believes the Twins are in the midst of a phase in which they can compete with anyone. For him, the contract security comes right after his wife, Lisa, gave birth to their first child during the offseason.

"It's nice to be here for a couple more years when you see the signings they had before this and the guys they locked up," Nathan said. "To be able to come here and be a part of it for the next couple of years ... we have a pretty good chance to do some things."

Rincon said he was surprised but happy.

"I wasn't expecting it, but I'm glad they did it," he said. "It shows the team has a lot of confidence in me. I don't want to let them down now."

Ryan credited assistant general manager Wayne Krivsky for being creative enough to swing both deals. The Twins also signed 23 players to one-year deals, completing the entire 40-man roster.

And completing a busy past few months.

The Twins lost third baseman Corey Koskie and shortstop Cristian Guzman to free agency, but they have locked up a solid nucleus.

They signed Brad Radke to a two-year, $18 million deal and agreed to terms with Johan Santana on a four-year, $40 million deal.

They also signed reliever J.C. Romero to a two-year deal worth at least $1 million and signed righthander Carlos Silva to a two-year, $5.05 million contract.

And now they have signed Nathan and Rincon.

"Now," Ryan said. "We can go play the games."