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A lot of ink has been spilled over the last few seasons discussion the Yankees plan of succession at closer once Mariano Rivera begins to age and retires. Joba Chamberlain’s name is the most common suggestion, Mark Melancon has gotten some support, and future free agents such as Jonathan Papelbon and Joakim Soria have been mentioned as well. All of these discussions presupposed that eventually Rivera would begin to show signs of aging, and would need to be replaced. Yet here we are in 2010, Mo has passed age 40, and he is still as dominant as ever.
Mo notched his 50th straight save at home recently, and continues to display remarkable efficiency and consistency. In 6 innings thus far this year, he has yet to allow a run, and has given up just two hits and one walk against 6 strikeouts.He has faced just 19 hitters in those 6 innings, and has thrown 68% of his pitches for strikes, right at his career mark. Quite simply, he has shown little indication that he will slow down any time soon.
The looming question, then, is what will happen with Mo when he hits free agency next fall if he continues to perform at this level. Hopefully, he will be willing to go on the Andy Pettitte plan, going year-by-year with his contracts rather than insisting on a longer term contract. If he wants a longer commitment, the Yankees will be put into a difficult situation, whereby they will need to figure out how long they are willing to go with a very unique 41 year old man. A contract that takes him to 43 or even 44 might pushing their luck as far as the Yankees are concerned, and the team might be better served by offering Mariano a shorter deal with a higher average annual value. While I am certain that Mo will be a Yankee going forward, the negotiations should be interesting to follow.
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11 Responses to Mariano Rivera May Never Age
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TIQ IQ
I really hate to say this, but while the results have been stellar his stuff doesn’t look quite the same. Velocity is down even from last year’s dimished velocity and cutter doesn’t seem to have as much bite. Control is still plus plus though.
I think we will see some regression this season.
Really? I dont see that at all. And his velocity is 90.4. Last April 20th it was at 90.7. I dont think there is much of a difference at all. But I might be missing something due to the positive results.
Nice stat Moshe. Comparing April to April is a better comp than his mid season velocity. Perhaps his stuff will be just as good as last year.
Don’t jinx him Moshe. If we are giving him a big multi-year deal at the end of this season it means he had another great year. I’m not complaining. Nothing better to going to a game that Andy starts and Mo finishes (they have the record for save-winning pitcher combo) and I hope to see it for many more years.
Velocity is coming down, but it has gained movement. I wonder at what velocity that cutter stops beeing effective, considering he will be placing it just where he wants it. 88 MPH?
Mo’s velocity is always down the first month of the season as he builds up his arm strength. He only throws about 6 or 7 innings during spring training. That is why there are always those whispers early in the yr when he struggles, such as last yr. when he gave up the 9th inning HR to Bay at Fenway. He will never get back to 96-97 that he was earlier in his career, but by mid May the velocity will be 92-93mph, with pin-point location. He may be slowing down, but a little less Mo is still better then most other closers.
This is what I have been saying. It’s all due to his motion. It’s smooth and easy. He can go for another 4 years.
Yankees will never let him go to another team. He (Mariano) said he could go 5 more years. When he feels he can’t, that’s when he stops. So this means he’ll QUIT if things go south. He has earned another contract. He’s always in shape, not slow to get ready, professional, a true leader in the pen, and watch out he’s in his contract year. HEAVEN HELP MLB!!.
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When discussing those “future free agents,” bear in mind that Joakim Soria won’t actually be a free agent for five more years. But hey, Mo might still be going then!
[...] Mariano Rivera May Never Age | TYU [...]