The Twins signed Jesse Crain to a three-year deal today.

In two-plus seasons with the Twins, Crain is 19-10 and has emerged as one of the team's most reliable arms in the bullpen. The Canadian has served as a setup man on occasion for closer Joe Nathan, and the Twins believe he has the stuff to be a closer someday himself.

I wonder if Minnesota is planning on replacing Joe Nathan at the end of the year. The team holds an option on Nathan for 2008, but no doubt Crain would be a less expensive replacement. I could even see Minnesota picking up Nathan's option, then trading him for prospects. Given Nathan's relatively low salary for 2008, I can see where Ryan could make a really good deal.