Joel Sherman comments on Mariano

Without abusing Mariano Rivera in multi-inning appearances, not to mention his pitching 2 saves in 1 day (May 3), the Yankees wouldn't be where they are today:

• "THE Yankees lost a game yesterday, (8/16) but really began losing it in June and July. That is when Joe Torre’s trust in Brian Bruney, Kyle Farnsworth and Scott Proctor vanished, and so did any lingering restraint on Mariano Rivera.

It is understandable. The Yankees’ season and Torre’s job were on the line and no way was he going to let both evaporate due to the edgy makeups and straight fastballs of Bruney, Farnsworth and Proctor.

• Ten times from May 30 to last Sunday in Cleveland, Torre called on Rivera to pitch more than an inning after vowing in spring not to do that."

***ALSO, ON MAY 3, RIVERA PITCHED 2 SAVES IN ONE DAY (v Texas), the 5th time HE'S DONE THAT IN HIS CAREER.*** (sm)

• *(Note to self: Inform Rollie Fingers that Mariano Rivera is not a "1 inning pitcher" as he mistakenly said in his WFAN interview earlier this week. Bruce Sutter knows that's not true, funny that Rollie doesn't). (Very end of interview). Link.

"Should Torre regret that decision? Well, the Yankees went 9-1 in those 10 games and Rivera was 1-0 with eight saves in eight tries. They are not in contention today without that contribution. But now comes the bill.

• The reason the organization demanded Torre restrict Rivera’s outings to one inning was because in August last year - after heavy abuse - the great closer came down with a forearm strain that forced him to miss three weeks.

Because he (Torre) has to know now Rivera cannot do two jobs any more this year - set up and close - and if Chamberlain, Ramirez or someone else cannot handle the expanded burden, the Yanks are not going to make the playoffs anyway."

• From NY Post article by Joel Sherman, "Joe Must Lessen Closer's Workload," 8/16/07

Sherman is much more informed about Rivera than most. Others are dishonest and knowingly hide the fact that Rivera often does 2 jobs and obviously can't be compared with a closer who only does 1 job. 2 different things. Hey, lies and negativity work. (sm)

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