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Nolan Writin'

Making a case for former Texas Rangers on the 2022 HOF ballot

By Tyler Henderson

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 9: First baseman Mark Teixeira #23 of the Texas Rangers runs to first during the game against the Anaheim Angels at the Ballpark in Arlington on April 9, 2004 in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers won 12-4. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 9: First baseman Mark Teixeira #23 of the Texas Rangers runs to first during the game against the Anaheim Angels at the Ballpark in Arlington on April 9, 2004 in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers won 12-4. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 24: Joe Nathan #36 of the Texas Rangers throws against the Houston Astros in the 9th inning at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on September 24, 2013 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 24: Joe Nathan #36 of the Texas Rangers throws against the Houston Astros in the 9th inning at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on September 24, 2013 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Joe Nathan- Texas Rangers, 2012-2013

The only pitcher to make the list, Joe Nathan had a great career that spanned 16 seasons. The Houston native began his career in the starting rotation, before joining the Twins and moving to the bullpen where he would make a name for himself.

An odd signing for the Texas Rangers in 2012, the then 37-year old Nathan became the lockdown closer the Rangers believed he could be. Coming off a 2011 season that saw his ERA sit just under 5, Joe Nathan dominated in Arlington.

Over two seasons with the Rangers, Joe Nathan racked up 151 strikeouts, 80 saves in 133 games while sporting a 2.09 ERA. He appeared in two All-Star games for the Rangers, and finished the 2013 season with a 1.39 ERA.

Across his 16 big league seasons, however, Nathan had a 2.87 ERA, going 64-34 with 377 saves and 976 strikeouts with an ERA+ of 151.

By no means was Joe Nathan the most dominant, late inning reliever of his time, but he was a reliable option for sure. The six-time All-Star and Rolaids Reliever of the Year had a fine career, but his numbers just don’t cut it when stacking them up to other Hall of Famers.

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