Mariano Rivera #42 - Greatest Closer of All-Time

Photo courtesy of http://www.graphicshunt.com/

Mariano will go down in history as the greatest closer of all-time in Major League Baseball.  Arguments can be made that the closer role is different now then it was during the 70's and early '80s when it more difficult to save games since closers usually pitched multiple innings per outing.  There is even a "Hold" stat now for relievers who pitch an inning prior to a save.  For me, it's clear cut.  As soon as Hoffman and Rivera breached the 600 saves milestones, they were excluded from the previous argument because that's more than 122 more saves than Lee Smith had in his career - the previous career saves leader.

Now Rivera and Hoffman are tied for the all-time career saves lead.  Mariano is expected to break Hoffman's record this week.  If it doesn't happen later today in Toronto, it will probably happen during the 8-game homestand.  I'm hoping that the Yankees don't have a save situation in today's game so he can get #602 at Yankee Stadium.  The crowd will be electric and the game will have a playoff-like atmosphere.  It will be a nice prelude to this year's Playoffs.

Speaking of Playoffs, Mariano's 42 saves in Playoff games is a mark that may never be broken.  With the Playoffs looming, Mariano is likely to add to that total and may even breach 50 Postseason saves this year (possible, but not likely).  I think if Mariano reaches 50 Postseason saves before he retires, the mark would be equivalent to Pete Rose's 4,256 hits or Cy Young's 511 wins.  The reason I say this is that there is no team other than the Yankees who make it deep into the Playoffs every year.  Now a case can be made for the Phillies as they have won their division 5 years in a row but they don't have a dominant closer right now.

Update: Mariano just closed out career save #602 at Yankee Stadium against the Minnesota Twins.  Another perfect 9th inning ending with a caught-looking strikeout with Mo painting the black on the outside corner.  Congratulations to Mariano Rivera!!

I've heard of bats in the belfry but...

bats on my bumper?!?  I didn't even know I hit the bat until someone at work told me about it.  It was still on my bumper when I finished work and stayed on for the ride home.  I was creeped out but I still found the nerve to get close ups of the unfortunate nocturnal mammal.  He then got the plastic bag disposal...no last rites, just a unceremonial toss into the garbage can.  You can click on the image for an enlarged view - if you dare!

Kermit Returns

When I went to walk the dogs tonight, Kermit was waiting for us in front of the garage door.  I wouldn't have seen him if my dog hadn't startled Kermit and made him hop.  He must have recognized me though because he stuck around while I walked the dogs and waited for me to get my camera.  He even allowed me to get close to him without even moving.  My macro lens was about two inches from him and he didn't seem to mind.

 

On an unrelated note, I went to see Incubus at the PNC Arts Center, aka Garden State Arts Center, last weekend.  The show was great but a tad short.  The band sounds amazing live.  I only wish security would have allowed me to bring my camera into the venue.

Video of the Day - Queen- 'Princes Of The Universe'

This is honor of Freddie Mercury's birthday.  It is one of my favorite Queen songs.  Enjoy!