Is Mariano past his prime?

[paperorplastic]

I happen to a yankees fan and i've noticed that in the last two years Mariano Riveria hasn't been the overpowering closer he once was. Is it time to get a new closer??

Which will you choose paper or plastic?

[PanterA]

he's still throwing in the high 90's what are you talking about?

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[Melrapuo]

ok...i'll admit that the yankees don't have the pitching they used to have but just because mariano lost the last two games for the yankees doesn't mean he's done for. he's still a really good pitcher. it' just that he's been a little unlucky.

if you think that the yankees need a new closer, then you're thinkin like steinbrunner (or however his name is spelled). mariano still has great pitching, and there wouldn't be any need to get a new closer.

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[phixion]

he's just pitching too much. they dont need to replace rivera they just need another closer. but they nelson now so they should start using him more.

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[MASTER WINDU]

Maybe a little overworked. Definitely not past his prime. Not the dominant one he once was but its always exciting to watch him pitch.

[Teenweek]

He is not the intimidating force he once was. Guys used to shit there pants facing him in the 9th inning. He had an aura about him that was like Mike Tyson in his prime. People were afraid as soon as they faced them. Now he is just a great closer.

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[ChickenHawk]

As a Yankee fan, there's no denying that blowing Game 7 against the Diamondbacks put a stigma on his dominating image, but that doesn't take away from any of his talent. I beleive a great percentage of success in baseball is mental. Prior to World Series 2001, Mariano was a "SURE THING". The second you put him in the game it was DAMN NEAR GUARANTIED that the game was over. Like Teenweek said, players would shit their pants knowing The Sandman was coming in. Seeing him drop the ball in the Series in 2001 proved that he WASN'T perfect. He isn't invincible afterall... That being said, he is still an amazing closer, he's just not the 100% guarantee he used to be. That's fine though. He HAS been overused/overworked as of late. Still one of the best in the business, so the idea of trading him would be ridiculous.

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This message was edited by ChickenHawk on 8-7-03 @ 4:55 PM

[samnyc]

accumulated injuries may be catching up to him. also he probably never got over screwing up the last world series game with the diamondbacks.

[Heavy]

Is Mariano past his prime?

Yes. Hes been dominate for longer then any relief pitcher has ever been and injuries dont help

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[Heavy]

Seeing him Dr0p the ball in the Series in 2001 proved that he WASN'T perfect. He isn't invincible afterall

whoa whoa pasty man, he did fuck up vs the Indians in 97 y know

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[Steels]

While he is still the best closer in baseball, Mariano Rivera's prime was 1996-2000. This thread is two years late.

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[Johnny4]

Mariano isn't past his prime, the Yankee defense is. They are not as good defensively as they were a coupleof years ago. Let me know when you want to get rid of him and I'll take him on the Mets any day.

I didn't see anything, I didn't hear anything, I wasn't there and if I was there I was asleep.

[Steels]

whoa whoa pasty man, he did fuck up vs the Indians in 97 y know


He gave up that home run to Sandy Alomar Jr. A gut wrenching defeat considering the Yankee's phenomenal season, that would have surely been a championship.

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[Steels]

Mariano isn't past his prime

Did you used to scout for the Tigers?

Rivera's prime was a talent and dominance not seen before in baseball. He is no longer in his prime.

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[mdr55]

I can see you are caught up listening to all the propaganda on the local radio stations re: this topic.
But seriously, isn't Mariano really like 38 years old or something? If he is, he's past his prime.


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[FUNKMAN]

only when he loses... i think Steels painted the corner with his assessment...

sidenote: did you ever see how tiny Mariano's ears are?

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