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Baseball Primer Newsblog— The Best News Links from the Baseball Newsstand
Sunday, July 06, 2008
But, but…can Mariano handle the pressure of NOT having a lead? (toy pinstriped Datsun bullpen car whizzes by)
Here’s an idea that would make the game even more special: Name Mariano Rivera the starting pitcher for the American League.
Yes, we know, Rivera is a closer. But he also has been the best pitcher in the American League for more than a decade now. Here is an opportunity for his greatness to be recognized at his home ballpark in front of a worldwide audience.
...But this goes beyond strategy. For all he has done in baseball, Rivera curiously has been left out at awards time. He has not won the MVP Award or Cy Young Award, and he was the World Series MVP only once in the four times the Yankees have won the title during his tenure. He has won a few of those Rolaids Relief Awards, but nobody gets too excited about that. This could be his last chance to get some real recognition. We’re talking about one of the best players in the history of the game, the best relief pitcher ever. Has any professional athlete ever been better at his job?
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1. Hello Rusty Kuntz, Goodbye Rusty Cars Posted: July 06, 2008 at 11:42 AM (#2845316)Relievers almost never win either of these. It's becoming less and less likely with the specialization in bullpens.
I honestly feel that 96 was his most impactful season, when he was setting up for Wettland. Apparently, voters agreed; it was the first time he finished in the top 3 of CYA voting. He also got jobbed in 05 when Fat Colon won. I don't understand that one.
Is Roger Maris a True Yankee? Or are fans still pissed that it wasn't Mickey who 61?
Because for three days soon, the world will stop revolving around New York 90% of the time, and will go 24/7. Hence, we must do any ridiculous thing imaginable for anyone remotely associated with NYC. Ed Koch will get out of speeding tickets in Dubuque. Donald Trump will find his limo has its own reserved lane. Jeffrey Maier will score with the hottest chick he's ever seen. And the entire cast of NYPD Blue will get double their usual residual checks. The entire karmic force of the Universe will be dedicated to honoring Yankee Stadium (and Yankees) the way it/they deserve.
Maybe the NL starter should be Rick Ankiel?
What we need is a way to really show these people how great Mariano is. Put it right in their face so they can no longer deny it! Abraham is off to a good start here, but even noting 'all he's done for baseball,' Abraham still fails to give him his proper due. They need to not only give him the start, but... let him pitch the whole game! Can you imagine? As Mariano effortlessly cruised through the NL lineup, the fans would start perking up their ears. 'Wait a minute, who is this guy?' 'This must be why he's been on 8 other All-Star teams.' 'Hey, that thing where he stole the gloves wasn't so bad.'
Now the NL squad will no doubt be full of fearsome hitters that will push Mariano into long counts before meekly giving way with a pop up or strikeout. So he'll be in for a bit of a long day, maybe 150 to 200 pitches. But that he can stand up to such a task will only serve to further show his greatness.
I think they should retire his number. Not just for the Yankees, but throughout all of baseball.
As Mariano effortlessly cruised through the NL lineup, the fans would start perking up their ears.
Let's just hope Tony Womack doesn't make the NL team.
Yea...but then the Yankees will realize that they had wasted his talent in the bullpen!
'Hey, that thing where he stole the gloves wasn't so bad.'
Heh. Well played.
You are correct, sir.
On the other hand, I guess the Pittsburgh equivalent of the Bergen Record has at least one good writer.
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