Tigers' Nathan: 'I want to prove to myself and other people I still have something left in the tank'

To say Joe Nathan and Detroit Tigers fans had a strained relationship last season would be a huge understatement, but the 40-year-old closer wants to right the ship in 2015.

"I don't want people thinking I'm done," Nathan told MLB.com's Jason Beck. "I think coming into not just the spring, but coming into the season, I want to prove to myself and other people I still have something left in the tank."

Nathan converted 35 of his 42 save opportunities and was the owner of an ugly 4.81 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 2014. The righty even made an obscene gesture to Tiger fans in August out of frustration after being booed on numerous occasions for his inability to close out games in a drama-free fashion.

Nathan has altered his offseason training regiment in an attempt to regain his previously dominant form from 2013 when he posted 43 saves with a 1.39 ERA with the Texas Rangers.

"I've gotten stronger than I've ever felt," Nathan said. "I feel like I'm pushing more weight around than I ever have. Everything as far as what my trainer's done has gotten better and better. My range of motion has gotten better. We've done more agility-type stuff to keep my body young."

Nathan has already received a vote of confidence from general manager Dave Dombrowski as the team's closer moving forward, but you have to believe this is his final shot at retaining the role.