Joe Nathan got to know Livan Hernandez while pitching for the Giants in 2002 and 2003. They played golf together a few times.

“I think he’ll fit right in with our team,” Nathan said of Hernandez. “I’ve always said it’s an easy team to come to and fit in.”

“He’s pitched in all the big games you can pitch in,” Nathan added. “He’s a guy who can throw any pitch at any time, and he will. He doesn’t give in to hitters.”

As for his own contract situation, Nathan remained optimistic. His agent has outlined what it would take to keep him in Minnesota and they’re waiting to hear back from the Twins.

I also spoke to Matthew LeCroy, who caught Hernandez with the Washington Nationals in 2006.

“On the outside, you think he’s non-chalant,” LeCroy said. “But if you watch him in practice, you can see what a competitor he is. He’s probably got the best hands of any shortstop or infielder in camp. Once you get on the field with him, he can do some pretty amazing things.”

Nathan and LeCroy both noted Hernandez’s hitting prowess, a skill that will go largely wasted in the American League. A .232 career hitter with nine career home runs, Hernandez won the NL Silver Slugger in 2004.

Home in South Carolina after being let go by the Twins, LeCroy said he’s still looking for a team. He’s not ready to hang it up. “This is the best I’ve probably felt in four or five years,” he said.

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