Joe Nathan Willing to Wait On The New York Yankees?

Of course, the overwhelming storyline for Yankees’ fans today is the drama that has happened in the arbitration scandal involving Alex Rodriguez. However, there was news involving the Yankees today that a potential new closer in 2014 could be in the cards.

In an interview with Jim Bowden and Casey Stern of MLB Network Radio, former Texas Rangers’ closer Joe Nathan discussed his potential options in free agency and did not rule the Yankees out. Nathan has been rumored since the end of the World Series to be going to the Tigers and both sides have mutual interest.

Sep 24, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher

(36) points towards home plate after a pitch in the ninth inning of the game against the Houston Astros at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The Texas Rangers beat the Houston Astros 3-2. (Photo Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)

With all eyes on the Yankees around MLB in what their financial situation is going to be this winter, Nathan is curious about that process as well. These are quotes transcribed from the interview, courtesy of Jason Beck of MLB.com 

"“So I think there are going to be a lot of teams that this process kind of allows me to patient [with], so it gives me a chance to see what clubs are trying to do. So it’ll be nice. I think that helps with the Yankees situation and gives us a sense of what they’re going to do.”"

During the interview, Bowden also mentioned the Angels as a possible fit for Nathan, which he agreed.  Nevertheless, the question continued to pop about the Yankees’ payroll, which was mentioned earlier in the week as the item that can hold up the free agency period.

"“I think that’s one of the good things that this has been a slow process and we do have the ability to be patient and kind of watch how this thing plays out, because we do know the Yankees have a lot of pieces to try to fix and a lot of pieces to fill in and the Yankees do obviously go out there and make moves.”"

The closer does have New York roots considering he is an alum of Stony Brook University. In the interview, he did stress that winning was more important to him than location. In that case, you would make the Tigers the favorite due to the fact they have made the ALCS three years in a row.

Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News (on Twitter) said earlier today that the Yankees are interested in Nathan, but have more pressing needs to address first before looking at the bullpen. Last year, he was one of the best closers in the game saving 43 games in 46 chances and had an ERA of 1.39.  Nathan will be 39 on Friday. Should the Yankees go after a veteran closer or give David Robertson the first crack at the job. Nevertheless, it could be awhile before we know where Nathan will be playing baseball next season.

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