"Player of the Game: Mariano Rivera" (John Sterling on Yankee Radio)

It's only 1 game, and the 'nattering na-bobs of negativity'* can send their spam and talk about Arod, etc. I'm not a Fantasy player but I want to personally say:

• CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FANTASY BASEBALL PLAYERS AND WRITERS WHO HUNG IN WITH MARIANO RIVERA--YOU GOT YOUR REWARD TONIGHT--
• A 1.1 INNING SAVE, ENTERING IN THE 8TH WITH 2 MEN ON BASE WITH ONLY A 1-RUN LEAD, 3 MORE OUTS IN THE 9TH, 3 VINTAGE MARIANO GROUND-OUTS (including one from the 8th) AND, HE FACED TORONTO'S 2, 3, 4 AND 5 HITTERS.

SORRY, NO CHEAP SAVE HERE TONIGHT. NO GUY COMING IN WITH A 3 RUN LEAD AND NO MEN ON BASE.

• *'Nattering na-bobs of negativity' is a phrase made famous by Spiro T. Agnew, one-time Vice President of the U.S. I try and throw some culture in when I can. Since the AP sports staff is unlikely to write a long article praising Mo, this small blog will have to suffice.

ADDENDUM, From the NY Times article tonight by Tyler Kepner-(DARES TO MENTION 'SAVE OPPORTUNITES,' NOT JUST 'SAVES'--This might cost him a job at ESPN. Oh, well).

• TORONTO, May 30 — "The Yankees are not the worst team in baseball, but their season has possibly been the strangest. The best example may be the case of Mariano Rivera, possibly the greatest closer ever, who has been unable to do what he does best.

Before Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Center, Rivera had just five save opportunities all year. Thirty other major league pitchers had more: one from every team, including two from Philadelphia.

• It was no wonder, then, that Manager Joe Torre was so eager to use Rivera this time.With two on and two outs in the eighth, Torre summoned Rivera for his first save opportunity since May 3. He converted, helping the Yankees hang on for a 10-5 victory that snapped a five-game losing streak."

From NY Times aritcle by Tyler Kepner, 5/31/07, "After Odd 9th, Strange to Say, SAVE for Rivera."

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