Sox: Twins will struggle to replace closer Nathan

The White Sox reacted quickly to Tuesday's news that Minnesota Twins all-star closer Joe Nathan has a torn elbow ligament that could very well lead to season-ending Tommy John surgery.

"That's going to be a huge drop for them," infielder Omar Vizquel told reporters before the Sox played a Cactus League game against the Giants in Scottsdale, Ariz. "It's not going to be easy to replace a guy like him. He pretty much guarantees a save every time."

Nathan, who leads the major leagues with 246 saves over the past six seasons, is going to rest the elbow and try to pitch again in two weeks. But the 35-year-old reliever isn't overly optimistic after leaving Saturday's exhibition appearance against the Boston Red Sox.

"This wasn't the news I wanted to hear," Nathan said.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said injuries are part of the game and every team has to deal with them.

"I feel for Gardy (Twins manager Ron Gardenhire), and that obviously hurts their bullpen," Guillen said. "Their bullpen's going to be a little weak. But that happened to us last year. Bobby (Jenks) was down for a long time and nobody felt sorry for us.

"It's bad and you don't want anybody to get hurt, but I worry about my guys."

Nathan notched 7 of his 47 saves last season against the Sox, and he's always been tough on the South Siders.

That's why Guillen was shocked when the White Sox scored 4 runs against the right-hander last September while rallying for a 4-2 win in their final game at the Metrodome.

"Before that, I don't think we ever scared the guy," Guillen said. "He's so good against us, it's amazing."

The Twins are prepared to elevate former Sox pitcher Jon Rauch to the closer's role, or they can try trading for a more proven commodity like San Diego's Heath Bell.

No matter what, they are going to miss Nathan.

"I'd rather face anybody out there than have to face Nathan," Guillen said.