Mariano Rivera Highlights

"It's still unclear whether Joe Torre will survive a seventh straight postseason without bringing a World Series title back to the Bronx, but the chorus of support he received in recent days has been staggering.

You had prospective free agent Mariano Rivera,

• merely the greatest closer in history,

saying he didn't understand why the Yankees were even considering making a change. Rivera added that his decision on whether to return to pinstripes next season could be affected greatly by whether Torre remains as manager.

• Best of all, you had Red Sox slugger David Ortiz suggesting his organization would benefit from any decision that removed Torre from the Yankee fold."

From Mike Berardino's South Florida Sun-Sentinel column, "Torre Has His Backers," 10/14/07