The big news from the first day of Yankees workouts was Mariano Rivera’s sort-of revelation about his future following the 2012 season. Rivera has made up his mind on if 2012 will be his final season, except he didn’t reveal his decision or any timetable regarding a formal announcement.
Jack Curry is in Tampa, Fla., and has the story. Rivera did drop some strong hints that he will indeed retire. In the past he’s discussed how it’s been tougher each year to leave his family in Panama and miss his children growing up.
“My kids want me home,” Rivera said. “They were ready for me to stay home. I had to tell them, I have a job to do. I have obligations. I have my church, my family. I've been blessed in amazing ways. I've have a great career, but at the same time, there's other things to do.”
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was a guest of Mike Francesa on Monday and recalled the last few times when he and Rivera negotiated a new contract that Rivera had considered retirement. “Then Mariano is Mariano and he keeps going,” Cashman said, adding that people have right to change their minds and it’s entirely possible Rivera could decide the opposite towards the end of the year.
David Robertson, one who could be considered Rivera’s heir apparent, is skeptical.
“I'll believe it when I see it,” Robertson said. “He may have hinted but you never know. He may Brett Favre us. When you talk about replacing Mariano Rivera, I don't think that can be done.”
There’s absolutely no debate that there will never be another Mariano Rivera. And while I believe that Rivera will call it a career at the top of his game, we are left waiting for his final, unequivocal answer.
What do you think? Is this Rivera’s final season?
Follow Jon Lane on Twitter: @JonLaneNYC
