In the wake of Joe Nathan’s injury, several names have come us as possible candidates to replace the closer including Indians closer Kerry Wood, Padres closer Heath Bell and Reds closer Francisco Cordero. Today, the Pioneer Press suggest that free agent John Smoltz could go back to his old closer duties.

Greg Olson, former teammate and catcher of Smoltz praised the former closer’s ability to throw hard with command. Olson said. “He’s still got pop on his fastball, and he’s got that nasty, quick, hard slider, the same as Nathan.”

While there’s no official word from the Twins or Smoltz camp, it does make a viable option for the Twins who have recently gone from AL Central shoe-ins to merely contenders.

Related posts:

1. Joe Nathan could have Tommy John Surgery
2. Minnesota Twins Trade Rumors: Dealing Glen Perkins for Nathan replacement?
3. John Smoltz Rumors: Waiting until mid-season to play?
4. Kerry Wood Trade Rumors: Indians holding on to their closer
5. John Smoltz Rumors: Not ruling out return to Braves