Oakland All Star Bailey studies Mo tapes--SF Chronicle

New All Star Oakland A's closer Andrew Bailey studies tape of Mariano Rivera before every series.

• (SF Chronicle): "Bailey's rise began last season, when he started throwing a cut fastball, a pitch Rivera has used to become one of the all-time elite closers.

"That's who I want to emulate, especially with my cutter," Bailey said. "I'm trying to do what he does."

• So much so that Bailey (4-1, 10 saves, 1.92 ERA)

• watches tapes of Rivera before
• every series.

Each tape is of Rivera facing the team the A's are about to face,

• giving Bailey a heads-up on how Rivera attacks particular hitters.

"It helps to see how he gets them out," Bailey said. "You try to keep that in mind when you're on the mound, along with the scouting report."

• "He's someone I'd love to learn from," Bailey said of Rivera. "He stays so calm out there. He doesn't wear his emotions. I don't know how he does it.""..."Bailey can't wait to meet Rivera," by John Shea, Susan Slusser, 7/12/09

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