Nathan extension could arrive today

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: March 23, 2008 - 12:40 AM

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JUPITER, FLA. — There are apparently just a few details to be cleared up before the Twins and Joe Nathan agree on a contract extension believed to be for four years. ESPN is reporting that the deal would be for between $11 and $12 million a year.

Dave Pepe, Nathan's agent, was in the Orlando area on Saturday but was expected to speak with the club in the late afternoon or evening. If the details are cleared up a deal could be announced as soon as today.

Nathan, by industry standards, is well underpaid at $6 million this season. The market for closers shot up during the offseason when Mariano Rivera re-signed with the Yankees for three years and $45 million. Nathan's deal, however, likely will be more similar to that of Francisco Cordero, who signed with Cincinnati as a free agent for four years and $46 million.

The Twins have tried to lock Nathan up for several weeks. Their 2008 payroll currently sits around $56 million.

Baker update

Scott Baker, appearing in his first game since March 8. threw 33 pitches over 22/3 innings for Class AAA Rochester before rain washed out the game. The righthander headed into a covered area, where he threw for a few more minutes.

Baker had been out because of a strained lat muscle, then missed a few more days because of the flu. Gardenhire said Baker felt great. He will pitch again Wednesday and, if there are no setbacks, throw on March 30. It all goes well, he will start the season with the major league club.

Etc.

• Righthander Nick Blackburn pitched two innings on Saturday, giving up two hits vs. St. Louis and striking out two. The Twins would have liked for him to pitch a third inning, but he was replaced by a pinch hitter when his turn in the lineup came. Blackburn, still a candidate for the rotation or bullpen, is scheduled to start Wednesday.

• Lefthander Glen Perkins hurt his chance of making the club by giving up two runs on four hits in the eighth inning.

• Two friends of Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa -- Bill Parcells and, somehow, Bobby Knight -- were at Saturday's game.

Upcoming

Liriano will face Baltimore today in Fort Myers. Righthanders Philip Humber, Joe Nathan, Jesse Crain and Pat Neshek are scheduled to pitch. Righthander Matt Albers is scheduled to start for the Orioles.

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