Most championship teams are now bringing in their best closer in the 8th inning--the Mariano Effect

Kevin Kennedy was forced to note Tony LaRussa brought in his closer Adam Wainwright in the 8th inning tonight. This exemplifies the reality that Mariano Rivera has changed the concept of the "1-inning closer" over the past several years. Kennedy didn't mention Mariano and would rather drink a gallon of Drano before doing so, but that's the reality.

• Media propagandists wishing to further their career at ESPN, etc., have continued over the past few years to try and keep the notion of all closers as 1 inning performers, and on very rare occasions where they mention Rivera, it's faintly. And they never include his dramatic multi-inning post season performances. At best, they'll say he had "opportunities." (Even though this is easily refutable, most people won't take the time to do so. They also do it for a personal allegiance they have).

• There are many meaningful games into which most teams who want to win are now calling in their closer for more than 1 inning. If it's not a big deal, why is it that at least 1 team never does this no matter how dire the situation, meaning you need an entire other human being to get through the game? Teams who've changed to the Mariano method include the Blue Jays, the Red Sox, the Angels, the Mets, & the Cardinals. There are others as well, but these are the most obvious.

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