Updated Mar 9, 2010 10:16 AM ET
Twins closer Joe Nathan has a significant tear in the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and could miss the entire season if it requires surgery, according to a report in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Fantasy Baseball 2010

Team officials held an impromptu news conference to announce the development, with Nathan, GM Bill Smith and pitching coach Rick Anderson.

The report says the plan is to give it two weeks rest to let swelling die down before working with trainers and trying to pitch again.

If the trouble persists, he'll have season-ending surgery.

Nathan said he'll try to come to a decision quickly.

"I'm going to do whatever I can right now to give myself the best chance to go out there and help this team out, but at the same time, I'm not going let this go on too long because at the same time, I know these guys have a decision to make, and they've gotta prepare for the season, too, so I will make a decision quicker rather than later and give them ample time to do what they have to do,'' said Nathan.

The team says it will also send results to Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion.

I'd still put the Sox as no more than equal contention with the Twins and Tigers.

Twins closer Nathan has torn ligament.

Obviously, it helps the White Sox and Tigers, but it doesn't help the White Sox score more runs, which I think is their downfall.

Stoneroses,
Since I've already established that the Red Sox will once again be the best of the East, I turn my hot stove interest to the other team that I follow. Anyway, I'm proud to admit that Bacon is my new man crush.

It looks like we have a different definition of the word "again."

I sincerely worry that your long distance relationship with the Red Sox may be fizzling out. Is the thrill gone, B.B. King?

I don't understand all the love for the Tigers, and all of the 3rd place talk for the Sox. The Tigers look like they are going to win 82 games if they are lucky, and the Sox pitching staff is going to keep them in this thing until the very end.

The Twins always seem to somehow end up right in the mix of things on Labor Day so I will not count them out until they are mathematically done.

I agree with Frank! yes I agree with Frank! I always though the Sox are the favorites! Not Favorite by far, but still faves!

Joe frankly I haven't seen enough of the Sox pitching staff to rest my season on their shoulders just yet.

I agree with Frank! yes I agree with Frank! I always though the Sox are the favorites! Not Favorite by far, but still faves!

their least tested starting pitcher is starting his 4th season in a MLB rotation with nearly 100 starts...where ya been

The season hasn't started so he looks the same he did at the end of last season. If you are relying on spring training numbers, especially from vetarns with definite roster spots, well, then maybe the Cubs section would be more your speed.