Blogs

Mariano Rivera

Pitcher
Position
P
Bats
R
Throws
R

Contract: Signed through 2010

  • Height: 6-2
  • Weight: 185 lbs
  • Born: Nov 29, 1969

  • Debut: May 23, 1995

SEASON

IPWSKERA
66.1344721.76

Newsbreakers

November 3, 2009

Mariano Rivera is the only closer of the eight to make the playoffs this season not to blow a save, according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated.

Our View:

Remarkable. After Rivera finally appeared to be slowing down in 2007 (3.15 ERA, .248 batting average against), he has been better than ever the past two seasons, posting a 1.40 ERA in 2008, and 1.76 one in 2009. Just like always, he can treated as a top three closer in next season's fantasy drafts.

November 1, 2009

Mariano Rivera was seen in the bullpen applying a heating pad to his right rib cage area during Sunday's Game 4. There has been no indication of an injury.

Our View:

Rivera threw two innings in Saturday night's win and Joe Girardi said before the game that he did not want to use his closer more than one inning in Game 4. The pad could simply be used to keep the Sandman warm.

October 20, 2009

Mariano Rivera has been exonerated by Major League Baseball in "spitgate," according to the New York Post.

Our View:

The evidence against him was inconclusive at best. His legend grows.

October 20, 2009

Mariano Rivera is being investigated for possibly spitting on a ball in game three of the ALCS, according to the New York Post.

Our View:

Rivera pulled a real Houdini-act in the tenth inning of Monday's game, getting out of a runners on the corners, no outs jam. Video and images appear to show him spitting on a ball before he threw a pitch to Erick Aybar, who was batting with a runner on second and no outs. It would be nice if Rivera's nearly mythical dominance could be attributed to something, but the evidence appears inconclusive at best, and will probably only serve to further place him inside opposing hitters' heads.

October 18, 2009

Mariano Rivera's 2.1 innings in game two of the ALCS on Saturday night marked the first time he had thrown more than two innings since May 30, 2006.

Our View:

He threw three that day against the Tigers. His dominance has gotten to the point where it is almost comical. His last postseason run was allowed on October 4, 2005, a span of 15.2 innings.

October 14, 2009

Mariano Rivera has been named the Delivery Man of the Year for 2009, according to MLB.com.

Our View:

Rivera earned the honor for the third time by converting 44-of-46 save chances, with a 1.76 ERA and 0.90 WHIP. Rivera previously claimed the award in 2005 and 2006.

October 11, 2009

Mariano Rivera picked up a four-out save on Sunday to shut the door on the Metrodome. The Yankees won 4-1 in the last game in the stadium. He struck out two and allowed one single.

Our View:

Rivera is the best closer in postseason history and maybe ever. The Yankees bullpen gives them an imposing edge in the playoffs.

September 6, 2009

Updating a previous report, the New York Post is reporting that Yankees' manager Joe Girardi may be hesitant to use closer Mariano Rivera on Sunday. Rivera threw a pain-free bullpen session on Saturday, but Girardi doesn't want to risk further damage by rushing him back.

Our View:

It will be interesting to see what Girardi decides to do if today's game requires a save, as Rivera has declared himself ready to go and would likely let Girardi know he wants to pitch. Phil Hughes could be used as well, but he picked up a four-out save Saturday night, so Girardi may hesitate to use him back-to-back days as well. For Mo owners, keep him active, as he will return soon if he doesn't pitch today.

September 5, 2009

The Associated Press reprots that closer Mariano Rivera (groin) threw a pain-free bullpen session on Saturday, and will be available to pitch on Sunday.

Our View:

Rivera said all along that he could pitch through the injury if this were the playoffs, so he should be 100 percent if he gets called on to close tomorrow against the Blue Jays.

September 4, 2009

Mariano Rivera is slated for a pen session Saturday, and is hopeful of returning to the Yankees Sunday, according to Sports Illustrated. He is recovering from a sore groin.

Our View:

Rivera fared fine while playing catch in each of the last two days, and the elite closer should be available for fantasy owners Sunday if he does not suffer a setback tomorrow.

September 3, 2009

The Boston Globe is reporting that Yankees' closer Mariano Rivera threw in the outfield before Thursday's game and his injured groin felt much better. Rivera is hoping to throw off a bullpen mound in the next few days, and he should be able to return soon.

Our View:

The Yankees are in pretty good shape for the playoffs right now, but they still need their closer to be 100 percent as soon as possible. Tonight was a very good sign, and expect him to be ready to get back on the field soon.

September 2, 2009

Mariano Rivera is dealing with soreness in his left groin, and could be on the shelf for several days, according to the Associated Press.

Our View:

The Yankees' closer noted that he started feeling soreness August 15 against Seattle. He has convered 34 saves in a row, and leads the majors with 38.

August 12, 2009

The Journal News reports that Mariano Rivera did not pitch in Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays due to shoulder soreness.

Our View:

This doesn't sound serious, even though anything will an All Star pitcher's shoulder raised reg flags. Rivera claims he has bounced back from similar ailments in the past and expects to be available to pitch tomorrow.

July 1, 2009

Mariano Rivera earned his 20th save in tonight's 4-2 win over the Mariners at Yankee Stadium. He did not allow a hit or walk over one full inning of work.

Our View:

He has only blown one save chance all season, and has 502 saves for his career. He did not allow a run over his last six appearances as well.

June 28, 2009

Mariano Rivera picked up his 500th career save on Sunday as the Yankees beat the Mets 4-2. Rivera went 1.1 innings and allowed one hit while striking out two.

Our View:

500 saves is majorly impressive, and it just goes to show how good this guy really is. He may be the best closer of our time, and he is still getting the job done today. Expect him to have well over 500 before his career is done.

June 25, 2009

Mariano Rivera collected his 17th save of the season in tonight's 11-7 win at Atlanta. He did not allow a hit or a walk over one third of an inning.

Our View:

Rivera is a perfect 7-for-7 on save chances in June. Four closers co-lead the majors with 20 saves, and Rivera is not far behind. Rivera needs one more save for 500 for his career as well.

June 16, 2009

Mariano Rivera nailed down his 15th save in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Nationals at Yankee Stadium. He hurled a perfect inning with one strikeout.

Our View:

He is a perfect 5-for-5 on save chances in June, and is three saves away from 500 for his career.

May 7, 2009

Mariano Rivera took his first loss of the season in Thursday's 8-6 loss to the Rays. He gave up two ninth inning solo home runs to Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria.

Our View:

In his last 4.1 innings, Rivera has given up all five of his runs that he has allowed this season. Those runs have come courtesy of four home runs and it looks like the Sandman is going through a rare hittable stretch.

April 10, 2009

Mariano Rivera earned his first save of the season on Friday in the Yankees 4-1 win over the Royals. He threw a scoreless ninth, allowing just one hit and striking out two.

Our View:

Rivera is still a top fantasy closer, and may actually see more save opportunities with A-Rod on the shelf. The Yanks are less likely to blow out opponents without his bat in the heart of the lineup.

March 19, 2009

Mariano Rivera made his second outing of the spring in Thursday's 7-4 win over the Blue Jays. He allowed no hit, walks, or runs in the effort.

Our View:

That makes two perfect outings for the closer, and it doesn't appear that there are any lingering effects from his offseason shoulder surgery. He should threaten 40 saves again while producing stellar peripherals.

March 18, 2009

Mariano Rivera indicated that he felt fine after pitching for the first time in an exhibition game, according to ESPN. Rivera, who is coming off October shoulder surgery, threw a perfect inning (with two strikeouts) in Tuesday's 9-2 win over the Pirates.

Our View:

This is encouraging news, and Rivera looks to be fine to target as a top-5 fantasy closer.

March 15, 2009

Closer Mariano Rivera is set to begin participating in exhibition play and says he has "no doubt" in his mind he will be ready to go on Opening Day, according to the Associated Press.

Our View:

The 39-year-old Rivera is recovering from right shoulder surgery in October but should still be considered a reliable late-inning option.

March 14, 2009

Mariano Rivera said he felt good after throwing 40 pitches in a live batting practice session Saturday, according to the Star-Ledger. He has been recovering from off-season shoulder surgery.

Our View:

He admitted that his cutter needs work, but he expects to make his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday against the Pirates. As of now, he looks to be safe to target as a top-5 fantasy closer.

March 9, 2009

Mariano Rivera, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, threw a successful 30-pitch bullpen session today and he is on track to be ready for opening day, according to the NY Post.

Our View:

He is slated to throw live batting practice Wednesday. Rivera looks to be fine to draft as a top-5 fantasy closer.

March 5, 2009

The Associated Press reports that Mariano Rivera threw off a mound for the first time this season. Thursday's session was positive and Rivera is scheduled to be ready for Opening Day. His surgically repaired shoulder looked strong in the 30 pitch outing.

Our View:

This is good news as all signs point to Rivera being up to snuff. Despite his age Rivera is still an elite fantasy closer.

February 27, 2009

The AP reports that Mariano Rivera, who had shoulder surgery in October, threw 20 pitches on level ground on Friday. Afterwards, he said he felt, "Very good." He is expected to throw off the mound next week.

Our View:

Rivera should be ready for opening day. Count on more of the same from the Sandman this season.

February 14, 2009

Mariano Rivera says his shoulder feels great but there is no timetable for his return, according to the New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Our View:

Rivera could still be ready for opening day, but it's unclear when he'll be able to begin throwing off of a mound again.

January 27, 2009

Mariano Rivera, who underwent surgery to remove a calcified joint from his right shoulder, is yet to start throwing, according to MLB.com.

Our View:

He generally does not pitch many innings in spring training in the Grapefruit League, and the club is optimistic he will be ready to go for opening day. The 39-year-old vet was bothered by the shoulder ailment for most of last season, but he still managed to nail down 39 saves with a dominant 0.67 WHIP.

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