XM MLB Chat: Tony Massarotti Schools Jack Curry on "Closers"---Especially Post Season Closers

"At this time of year, after all, closers are not asked merely to close games. They also are asked to pitch in extra-inning affairs and tie games such as Sox-Angels Game 2.

During the height of the Yankees dynasty, longtime New York pitcher David Cone joined the Red Sox for the 2001 season. At the time, the Yankees had won three straight World Series and 4-of-5, and
Cone was among many who believed Rivera was the biggest key to the Bombers’ run of championships.

Rivera, Cone argued, was the “X-factor.”

Sox fans, too, witnessed that reality firsthand. In 2003, just before Aaron Boone hit his game-winning home run against Tim Wakefield [stats], Rivera gave the Yankees three scoreless innings of relief.

The Red Sox simply could not match up."

From Boston Herald column by Tony Massarotti, "Gives Sox Rivera-Like Advantage On Indians--Pap the New X-factor," 10/11/07

Yet again, Jack Curry (NY Times) minimizes Rivera by referring to him as a "9th inning" pitcher: "Torre did not have the angst other managers had because Rivera, the best postseason closer ever, handled the ninth inning."

"Handled the 9th?" This is a common method used to minimize--if not openly lie--about the work of Mariano Rivera. Even a Boston newspaper columnist knows better than this. David Cone knows better. In addition, referring only to his post season role as "official closer" allows one to erase the work he did in 1996 as late inning reliever with key Wins and Saves throughout the year. He pitched 3 days in a row in the 1996 World Series. Following the ESPN/MLB model, Curry categorizes Rivera's accomplishments separately in the "post season." I wonder whom he has in mind for "regular season?" On the Gravy Train is Jack Curry.