Saturday, February 16, 2013

 

Rivera's comeback-Bauman, MLB.com

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2/13/13, "Rivera showing greatness again in comeback," MLB.com, Mike Bauman

"No betting against one-of-a-kind closer as he returns from torn ACL."

"The relentlessly positive nature, the devotion, the belief, the fierce competitive drive -- all of that remains in place.

On the other side of the issue, is just this: A 43-year-old man, pursuing his career as an athlete, attempting to come back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

I like Mariano Rivera -- the positive nature, the devotion and the fierce competitive drive -- in this argument. He probably should not be held to the standards of the rest of humanity in a situation such as this. He has been not only the best closer in the game -- he has been one of a kind.

At George M. Steinbrenner Field on Wednesday, the catchers and pitchers of the New York Yankees had their first workout of this year's Spring Training. An encouraging sign for all was the presence and the full participation of Rivera.

Rivera threw a bullpen session, and his motion contained the usual fluidity and grace. He ran, and he took part in three sessions of fielding practice for pitchers, and again, his movements did not appear to be in any way restricted. Asked to rate his knee on a scale of one to 10, with 10 being as good as possible, Rivera responded, "I feel good. I would say around nine, for sure. The other point will be the 10, and that will be the running that I do here. But besides that everything's great."...

If this is his final season, it ought to be especially savored -- for who Rivera has been, for what he has accomplished and now, for what he has gone through to extend his brilliant career."

























Both photos, Rivera spring training, Feb. 13, 2013, via NYY, bottom USA Today, top unknown.

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