Dan Graziano makes key distinction

(Star-Ledger): "For (Joba) Chamberlain, this is one of the great benefits of his surprise early-career turn as a relief pitcher. He gets to sit in the bullpen and learn from

• one of the greatest pitchers of all time* --

a legendary baseball figure who sees teaching as part of his job, and who makes the same impression on every pitcher who comes through the Yankees' bullpen."

• *Mr. Graziano has the confidence to state that Mariano Rivera is a "pitcher," not just a relief pitcher nor what is narrowly described as 'a closer.' Viewing his entire performance since the 1995 post season--including all star games--it is obvious. It's just that you won't get much bread from ESPN if you follow that line of reasoning.*

(Dan Graziano):"Since he exploded onto the Yankees' scene as a dominant setup reliever in 1996, and throughout his Hall of Fame career as the team's closer, there has been much discussion about Rivera's "value" to the team. Many have suggested that Rivera was the most valuable Yankee during the Joe Torre dynasty years, because his dominant presence at the end of the bullpen was the reason those teams could count on winning the close games.

• But Rivera's value goes beyond the mound and the field and right on into the clubhouse, where he has consistently been one of the team's strongest leaders. He takes the responsibility seriously, and he's not shy about putting it into practice, even if he is a little reluctant to talk about it"....

• "I think it's a cycle," Chamberlain said. "The torch is passed to Mo, and he does a great job of passing it along to other guys as they come up. So the day will come when it's over for him, when he can't pitch anymore. But his impact on the game of baseball will never go away because of the people he's touched.""

From the Star-Ledger by Dan Graziano, 3/24/08, "Rivera's Value Beyond Saves"

• (P.S. ESPN types and/or Minnesota whiners should complain to Mr. Graziano). sm

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