Yanks need a closer

[Squid kids Dad]

The Sox seem to have his #

[CSK]

I think counting Rivera out this soon is a big mistake. Even at the end of last year he was arguably the best reliever to play the game.

[Drew]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2...s/cowbell/blog

[Mike P]

He's a slender guy and there's a lot of mileage on that right arm.

What's this, his 10th season? How many appearances in those seasons, on the average? Early in his career they'd bring him in during the 8th. Closers go quickly when they finally go, and for all of the big guns on the Yankees, he's the one guy they can't win a Series without. Gordon can't carry his jock.

Too bad, because he's also one of the guys on the Yankees you can't help but like no matter who you root for. Same kind of class act as Bernie Williams.

[tynan19]

We just have his number for now.

[partsjay]

Don't get me wrong.....I think he is a great closer....just not against the Sox as of late.

[Mike P]

When was the last time he closed out a game that really mattered?

2001 World Series vs the D-Backs, Clemens took a one run lead into the ninth. Mariano came in to close it out, threw a double play ball into center field and then gave up the game-winning bloop single to Gonzalez.

The Yanks were never in the games in the late innings in the ALCS in 2002 vs the Angels.

He was a non-factor in the 2003 World Series.

Blew two saves in the 2004 ALCS.

I say the writings on the wall with him