One Last Go for Mo?

Posted by Michael Millan.

After arriving to Yankees Spring Training camp in Tampa, Florida on Monday, Mariano Rivera stated that he had already made up his mind about whether or not this would be his final season about two or three weeks ago.  And although Rivera failed to make an official statement regarding his status for the 2013 season, everything that Rivera did say would lead you to believe that the 2012 season will be his final season.

Mariano Rivera

"I know now," the all-time saves leader said. "I just don't want to tell you. I know now. I will let you guys know when I think I should tell you."  When asked if there was any chance that he might change his mind later on in the season, Rivera stated that he would not, "...even if I save 90 games," he said. "If they want to pay this much money ... anything."  A statement like this would leave many to believe that Rivera has already decided to end his career at the conclusion of this season.

Following the recent retirement of longtime teammate Jorge Posada, Rivera finds himself in a unique position.  Unlike Posada, and other longtime teammate and iconic Yankee Derek Jeter, Rivera's skills have not declined one iota.  His statistics would dictate that Rivera was just as effective last year as a 41 year old as he was when he was in his twenties.  And if you watch the Yankees game in and game out, you wouldn't think anything differently.  Although it hasn't been made official, it seems very likely.  It makes all the sense in the world for Rivera to want to retire at the end of this season.  42 years old is very old in this league.  He has a son in college and a family who he hasn't been around for over the last 22 years of playing professional baseball in the Yankees system.

So this season looks like it's going to be Mariano's farewell tour.  For Yankee fans everywhere, all I can ask is that you take it all in.  When the ninth inning comes around and those strings of Enter Sandman start playing and 42 comes trotting out of the bullpen in all of his godliness, just remember that it's never going to be this easy ever again.  We get one last season to witness the most dominant baseball player at his position ever.  The modern day Babe Ruth of closers, and in an era where having a closer is an absolute necessity if you want to compete in this league.  So sit back and enjoy this one last year and don't take it for granted.  Every generation has an Albert Pujols, a Micky Mantle, a Sandy Koufax, or a Greg Maddux, but there will never be another Mariano Rivera in any generation, ever again.