It almost seems like yesterday that Shane Victorino grounded out against Mariano Rivera to end Game 6. Since then, Yankees Universe has worried about Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Andy Pettitte among others. There was a moment during the celebration that made all Yankees’ fans go ‘Whaat?’ that hasn’t gotten much play considering how lackluster the hot stove offseason has been, so far. Mo announced that he was serious about playing another five years, which would put him at age 45, a rare age to play to, unless your name is Nolan Ryan.
During the World Series, I noticed Mo wasn’t throwing as hard as he was earlier in the season or earlier in the playoffs and I questioned to myself how much longer he could play. I even cringed when he said he wanted to play for five more years. Then it was made public that Mariano suffered a minor injury during Game 6 of the ALCS, which made me feel slightly better about his performance during the World Series.
If Mariano wanted to play another 3-5 years, I believe he could. Looking at the numbers, Mo had a great year, even though it was the sixth year in a row where his innings have been reduced from the previous year. He only blew two saves in 2009, which is the second lowest of his career. While he allowed 3 more HR’s than the previous year, that could be attributed playing in the new Stadium. Going even further, in 16 postseason innings, Mo recorded 14 strikeouts and allowed only 1 run while only allowing 10 hits.
While I’d love to see Mariano pitch for the next five years, I am not sure that is 100% feasible. While I think he can be effective into his 40′s, I am not so sure how far into his 40′s he can play. If I were in the Yankees shoes, I would give him somewhere in the range of a 3 year deal. Though, I firmly believe that if Mariano felt he could not play at the level he is capable of playing at, he would step away. All considered, I don’t think 2010 is Mariano’s last season, I believe he’ll play 2-3 more and then call it quits around the same time Posada does. How much longer do you realistically seeing him pitching for?
Kevin Rozell
M. B. Rozell
Ray Rothfeldt
Eduardo Perez
I see him pitching to the end of 2012 max.
I beleive he will go beyond his contract end date of 2010. Maybe go year-to-year or if healthy the Yanks will offer him another 2 years.
Mo is my favorite all-time Yankee. I wish I could watch him deliver those beautiful pitches forever.
It will be sad day when he retires. This guy can’t be replaced.
Give the man his money, for how ever many years he desires.
yeah he’s not Nolan Ryan but he is Mariano Rivera! I think Mo know what he’s capable of doing and for sure he know when it’s time to let go! 3 more years for MO!