Yankee reliever David Robertson doesn't believe closer Mariano Rivers is going to retire, but when he does he hopes to be able to take over for him.
Someone eventually has to take over for a legend. Tino for Donnie, Martin for Posada and maybe Robertson for Rivera.
“It’s something I would want to do, but I’m not going to focus on that right now,” Robertson said. “I’m not really worried about it at all; all I’m worried about is the season that’s upcoming.
Given Rivera's amazing season last year, 1.91 ERA with 44 saves - at age 40 - it is easy to see why Robertson isn't concerned with taking over for the greatest closer in baseball history.
Additionally, there are a number of relievers available on the free agent market after this season including Ryan Madson and former Met Francisco Rodriguez. Other pitchers that may be available dependiong on whether or not their options are picked up include Joakim Soria, Huston Street and J.J. Putz.
“The biggest thing about the guy coming in is that you’ve got to be yourself,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “You can’t be Mo, and you can’t try replace Mo. You’ve got to be yourself.”
I'm interested to see how much reporters push to learn about Mariano Rivera's supposedly secret decision about his future. He did drop serious hints about this being his last year, but he made it clear he won't divulge the actual decision at this time. Being that he admits he's told a few people, will those people spill the beans? It's a reporter's job to pursue that angle to find out.
ReplyDeleteRobertson is definitely somebody I would have trust in closing games for the Yankees. He has the personality to deal with the highs and lows of being a closer. Although I dont want to think about Rivera retiring, the day will eventually come, and Robertson is somebody who I would love to have take over
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