The mere possibility that Mariano Rivera
could come back from his horrific knee injury this season has got my blood
flowing.
After watching Mo writhe in pain on the
Kansas City warning track (I’m really starting to develop a hatred for that stadium
after Mo’s injury and the fans’ vicious treatment of Robinson Cano at the
All-Star game), I had no expectation that we would see him on a mound again in
the 2012 baseball season. I was resigned to the fact that the New York Yankees
would have to try for another World Series championship without their killer
closer. But not so fast, according to Mo, who would not rule out a return to
the Yankees this year.
Mo is a man of unshakeable faith and a
fierce competitor so it could be just his competitive fire talking. Brian Cashman firmly
dismissed the possibility of a Rivera return this year and he is not going to
let Mo take chances with his health, especially not with the Yankees running
away with the American League East. But with Mo (and his doctor) confirming
that his knee is healing faster than expected (no great surprise given that Mo
is the very definition of good health even at his age) and Mo apparently past
the scary blood clot situation that delayed his surgery, it seems very possible
that Mo could come back sometime in September to get himself ready for a long
playoff run. Perhaps as with Andy Pettitte’s injury, Mo’s freak accident could
ultimately be seen as a blessing in disguise in that the two older, clutch
Yankees could return to the mound incredibly fresh for October.
Like Mariano, I don’t want to get my
hopes up that we will see him on a mound again this year, but just the talk of
a possible return warms my heart. Can you imagine the boost he would give to
the Yankees and their fan base if he defies all expectations and returns this
year to help the Yankees win championship #28? It would just add to the legend
that is Mariano Rivera and provide another storybook chapter in a Hall of
Fame-bound career.
As fantastic as Rafael Soriano has been
in the two months since he took over the closer’s job, there is no one I trust
in a big game situation more than Mariano Rivera to protect a Yankees lead. The
Yankees have lived and died with him on the mound in critical games during
their championship years. And that is the way it should be.
While I feel your heartfelt sentiments about Mo, just like every other Yankees fan, the goal here it to win.
ReplyDeleteIf you take away the names here, Soriano is the better option for the Yankees to just that without question.
I want to see Mo back too but not until 2013, and in what role I am not sure yet because his velocity has dropped which is expected at 42 years old but it has made his cutter hittable unless it pinpoint accurate, which even the greatest ever cannot due every time.
Please don't think Cashman sentiments are completely honest but he is being smart because he knows the average fan thinks with their heart. As much as I adore and respect Mo the Yankees want to win here and it is unfair to jeopardize the team this season by causing a media shit-storm and that is what him returning will do.
I have to take issue with your premise that the Yankees would be better off letting Soriano continue closing games even if Mo comes back. Let's be clear: Soriano has had a terrific run over two months in the middle of the season. Mariano has closed out four World Series championships and was the main set-up guy on the 1996 title team. Whose to say Soriano won't wilt under that kind of pressure? I think if Mo comes back and proves he is healthy, there is no question who the closer's job belongs to.
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