One and Done for Mo?

The buzz thus far in Yankees world is the strong hint that Mariano Rivera plans to hang 'em up at the end of this season.

Random thoughts on this:

I cannot think of another player that has been the best at his position longer than Rivera. Often, when a player is viewed as "the best" it typically only lasts for few seasons. Mo's dominance has been for a decade and half. Has there been a player viewed as the best at their position for as long or a longer period than that? (those that do come to mind have some taint of PEDs - Mo looks the same as he did 17 seasons ago)

In addition to his overall dominance, his game actually stepped up in the post season. Maybe John Smoltz is in the conversation, but no one performed better than Mo in the post season from a body of work standpoint of 32 series.

First Ballot HOF

Mo is King of the Hill

So to very little fan fare from the media types, Mariano Rivera did today what he had done 643 times prior to today - succesfully close a game out with absolutely no emotional quotient. Just punching the clock.

Except this time as we all know he did it to pass Trevor Hoffman as the all-time leader.

While I have no doubt this record will stand for at least the next 10 to 15 seasons - I'm not sure I would put this in the untouchable category. AT least not yet. It is too new of a stat to know if anyone will get close to this.

Mo stays at it for 2 maybe 3 seasons, close in on 700, and then we just wait and see. But a lot things need to line up for a decade and half for some pitcher out there to get in the conversation.

1st ballot HOF? Probably. Class guy, ambassador for the game and the biggest stage.

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If the saves record is not untouchable what is? Strikouts, Career Wins, and Consecutive Games Played.

I do believe the all time hits record will be broken, and the 56 game hitting streak I think will get done at some point by an Ichiro type player.

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I know this post is dedicated to Mo, but not for not nothing - how about the Sox melting down the stretch??!!

Love it.

Could it happen???

The San Francisco Giants have made it public that they are in contact with Derek Jeter's agent.

No one really believes that Jeter would go anywhere other than the Yanks right? But crazyier things have happened - and here's my case for a deal:

1) Jeter is losing the PR battle with his purpoted $$$ demands

2) San Fran is a defending World Series Champ, and they have an opening at SS

3) They are managed by a highly respected, Torre'esque manager in Bruce Bochy who has been to WS multiple times, with multiple teams

4) Minka Kelly resides in the West Coast for the majority of the year

5) This would be his ultimate payback to Cashman and the Steinbrenners for firing Torre

So - what do you think? Am I crazy or is it so crazy that it is sane??? (apologies to Kramer)

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Other Thoughts:

Ron Washington should have won manager of the year. The Twins manager did what he's always done, nothing special - the Rangers had their special season, and Washington should have been rewarded as such.

I feel bad for the Bills. And while the G-Men are my blood - I'm starting to gain respect for how scrappy this team is playing, and I love the bluce collar fight in the QB Fitzpatrick.

Yanks should sign Rivera to a life time deal. 1 year base, incentive laden, with annual renew in perpetuity