Mariano Rivera. I'm not sure if you know this guy. If you don't, I suggest you go to any MLB scores site. I'm sure you'll see him in one of the headlines.
Mariano Rivera is the closer for the New York Yankees (and has been as long as anyone can seem to remember). He is hated almost as much as he is loved, simply because he is one of the greatest closers of all time. Some say he is the best post- season closer ever. He's even looked at the best closer in All- Star Game history. However, in my opinion, he is the greatest closer of all time. However, that's a story for a different time. This post is about Mariano's current season.
Mariano is the AL Closer of the Year. Period. Now before you start hating, just listen up. Let me give you some numbers: 41.1 IP, 31 H, 10 ER, 5 HR, 4 BB, 45 K, 2.18 ERA, and 29 out of 30 saves converted. One closer has more saves (Brian Fuentes with 30). Fuentes has given up 7 more walks though. Mariano? The dude walks less than one guy every ten innings. In a span of 6 days, Rivera closed out 5 games (while giving up 1 hit and 1 walk).
Listen, Rivera has the numbers. More importantly, however, is how scary the dude is. Any time you hear Enter Sandman, you pretty much know the game is finished. I mean, how do you deal with this guy? His cutter at 39 is still one of the most dominant pitches in the game. The last time he gave up a run was 17 appearances ago (June 12). I mean come on! This guy is money every friggin time.
Best closer ever? Maybe. Best closer this season. No doubt.
What do you think? Mariano or someone else?
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