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May 11, 2006
Can Mo Go To 2010?
Alex Belth has posted an interview with Joel Sherman at Bronx Banter regarding Sherman's new book "Birth of a Dynasty."
I actually just started reading this book last night. (Review to follow once I'm done.)
One thing that struck me as interesting in the beginning of the book, regarding the signing of Mariano Rivera, was the fact that Mo never "pitched" until he was 20-years-old. (Rivera was a shortstop as a kid.)
This means that Rivera's arm has only known the stress of pitching for the last 16 years (coming into this season). I would have to imagine that many pitchers, at the same age as Mariano now, probably have closer to 21 years of pitching wear under their wing.
When you consider Rivera's great shape, along with this wear-and-tear information, and factor in the way that his role (as closer) is used, it makes me wonder if he could pitch into his early 40's?
It would be nice to see Mariano get the first save in the "new" Yankee Stadium.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at May 11, 2006 02:16 PM
Comments
Also, Mariano has a huge advantage over some other older pitchers. He doesn't throw a slider, changeup, or curveball. No stress on his elbow.
He throws a cutter smoothly. He still gets it up there to 95 consistently. I say why not? He may be limited to fewer multiple inning performances in the future, but he should still be an effective closer.
Posted by: DownFromNJ ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at May 11, 2006 02:45 PM
It would be great seeing Rivera stick around that long, it'll postpone the PMD (post-Mo depression).
Funny you should mention him saving the first game in the new Stadium, my roommate and I were just talking last night about how they should let Mo start the first game at the new Stadium just so he could throw the first pitch in the Yanks new digs.
Posted by: Mike A. at May 11, 2006 02:47 PM
Pitching through the 2010 season, which would also be his age 40 season would certainly be great for the Yanks, esp. if he were to maintain his production.
At the end of his career..good God, that would be amazing. He's averaged 41.5 saves a year when he's been closing. 5 more years at 41 saves per would put him on the doorstep of 600 saves with 579. Probable? Probably not but still, fun to think about.
Posted by: James Varghese at May 11, 2006 02:53 PM
What are you all talking about? I thought Mo was a machine that would never stop. Isn't he supposed to outlive the new Yankee Stadium? The Mo era will be the hardest one to see end.
Posted by: Ally at May 11, 2006 04:14 PM
lol, Ally.
Yeah, I'd love to see that.
Posted by: pokeefe at May 12, 2006 10:32 AM