Yankee Bullpen Loses

We Miss Mo!

Bullpen Continues to Cost Yanks a Win

as Pitchers Sputter from Loss of Mariano Rivera

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 4- Close games are costing the New York Yankees this season and no longer having the reliable Mariano Rivera could be a reason. The Yankees were prepared for the inevitable day when closing a game would not be routine when Rivera retired. In two of the last three games they realized more how much Rivera meant.

The bullpen implosion led to the Yankees third straight loss, 5-2, on a long Tuesday night in the Bronx in a game that was delayed over an hour by rain. And there are two more games with Oakland to close the home stand before another long road trip.

It was the Twins on Sunday when the Yankees pen imploded. Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium, in the Oakland Athletics 10^th inning, there was another implosion. Oakland scored three-runs off Adam Warren, and what was left of the 41,677 in attendance realized again the Yankees without Rivera are very beatable.

The Yankees are no longer a power threat and lacking a run producing lineup, so much different when Rivera was closing another win. Close games in the late innings are not a guaranteed win, evident by the extra inning loss and the second home run of the night by Brandon Moss, in the 10^th off Warren that broke a 2-2 tie.

To say there is panic or that the Yankees are in deep trouble, it is still early with a third of the season complete. However, if close games are continually lost by the bullpen implosion, as has been the case as of late, then there is reason to panic.

“They are not going to be perfect they have been a big part of wins this year and not going to always be perfect,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi commented. The reference was to the reliable Dellin Betances who has been unstoppable, but finally had an implosion

The closer, David Robertson pitched a perfect ninth but gave away the lead Sunday. Betances had not walked a batter in his previous 10 appearances but, with two outs in the eighth inning Albert Callaspo got one. Pinch hitter Stephen Vogt followed and on a full count hit a tying double into the right center field gap.  

And, as good as Betances has been, you can’t pitch like that to the A’s who happen to have the best run producing offense in baseball.

"I felt good,” Betances explained in a quiet Yankees clubhouse. “I just think the two-out walk hurt. I had him in my head and I just did not put him away I think from there  I just fell behind on Vogt and just threw him a good pitch to hit. I think Callaspo, that at-bat was more frustrating."

Frustrating is the word Girardi used as his Yankees at 29-28, are in danger of falling to the .500 mark if they lose the second game of the three-game series tonight. It is not only the pen, but an anemic offense that showed some hope with a solo home run from Mark Teixeira in the sixth, his team leading 10^th that gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead off A’s starter Scott Kazmir.

Teixeira got clearance to start after missing the last two games with a sore right wrist. He has driven in 21 runs in his last 25 games, but when the wrist that is still heeling from surgery becomes bothersome, Teixeira, who appears to be the lone home run threat in this lineup, will have to sit down.

But it is the bullpen implosion that has the Yankees concerned. And without that late Hall of Fame closer no longer around, the Yankees have realized how different the late innings have become.

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‘Mo Class

‘Mo Class

Street Renamed to Honor #MarianoRivera

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 5- A very diverse crowd gathered on the northwest corner of 161 Street and River Avenue in front of Yankee Stadium in the late morning of Monday, May 5. A large number of reporters and camera operators were present to cover the event. 

At approximately 11;30 am, the voice of the late Yankee Public Address announcer Bob Sheppard could be heard clearly enunciating “Now coming in #42 Mariano Rivera.” At that moment, Rivera and his wife, Clara, were exiting Yankee Stadium through Gate 6. Immediately the two were besieged by fans and photographers who surrounded them as they were walking.

When the couple were seated on the platform with the other dignitaries, the official program began. Thomas Ferrera, a self-described lifelong Yankee fan, served as emcee. Ferrera spearheaded the campaign to change the name of River Avenue on 161 Street to Rivera Avenue to honor the legendary Yankee closer.

The first speaker, Lonn Trost, the Yankees COO, used a discussion with his wife as a means of informing those in the crowd of the many accomplishments of Rivera on the baseball field and the honors deservedly accorded to him for his achievements. He said closer is the only position in baseball in which there can be no argument or debate as to who is the best, “Mariano Rivera is the best closer in baseball.”

Children from the Highbridge Advisory Council Headstart then led the crowd in the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

Several elected officials (politicians)were present Councilmembers Arroyo and Gibson, as well as representatives of Council Speaker Viverito, Borough President Diaz and Mayor DeBlasio.  

Special note should be taken of one, Congressman Jose Serrano. Not only is he a long-term member of Congress working hard for the residents of his district in the South Bronx, but he is a knowledgeable baseball, specifically Yankee fans. Serrano was wearing a Yankee jacket and his business card is in the form of a baseball card. Unlike many other pols, Serrano can be seen at Yankee Stadium for reasons other than photo ops. Of Rivera, he said, “Mariano is special. I’m sorry to see him go. Someone so special should last forever.”

The name change of the street was approved by the City Council by a vote of 47-0-2 on December 10, 2013 and signed into law one week later by mayor Bloomberg. 

Cary Goodman, the executive director of the 161^st Street BID (Business Improvement District) opined, “It was a long campaign but we’re here.” Goodman was an integral part of the success of the name change being approved as he is in every positive enterprise in the 161 Street neighborhood. His presence in the area is a great benefit to the businesses and the residents.

As if he were again on the baseball field, the proceedings closed after Rivera’s successful performance.

For those who are only familiar with Rivera as a ballplayer, listening to his recital of thanks one can realize his high level of decency, religious devotion and humility, “I want to thank God, above all. I want to thank my wife, who’s put up with me for the 23 years of my career. I want to thank the New York Yankees for letting me play for 19 years. I want to thank this beautiful community of the Bronx. I want to thank you guys, the fans. You were there. Without you, it would have been harder. I thank you for every effort you made. You worked harder than me. I only tried to do my job. God bless you!”

Rivera then climbed a ladder to unveil the new street sign of Rivera Avenue.

Take a Bow Mo

Last All Star game for all-time saves leader Mariano Rivera

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 17- Before the start of the All-Star Game at Citi Field, the presence of Mariano Rivera on the field had more significance. The all-time leader in saves was taking in the festive atmosphere for the last time.

This was a special moment for No. 42, more significant than the previous 13 All-Star games wearing the uniform of the New York Yankees as a pitcher for the American League. To Rivera, though, every All-Star game has been special but his last one was in New York, where he established his Hall of Fame credentials.

“It’s great because it is home and to be here for the last time in New York. I could not ask for a better moment than that,” he said to a throng of media in the visitor’s American League clubhouse.

Rivera received congratulatory hugs from members of the AL team and just as many from the opposing NL all-stars when he got on field for batting practice.

It is the respect he earned, much of it around the country during the first half of this baseball season. On road trips with the Yankees, visiting teams have been giving Rivera one final moment, with accolades from fans and mementos presented to him at home plate prior to the first pitch.

Rivera will have his day in the Hall of Fame. Tuesday evening, he awaited the final moment and if the opportunity is presented Rivera could close the game. That has been hinted and speculated for weeks when he was selected once again to be a member of the American League All-Star pitching staff.

When asked if this game was more special, he commented, “Not as special. They all are, 13 of them they all have their meaning. Not because this is the last one will it be better than the others.”

The moment came earlier, in the eighth inning with the American League ahead 3-0. The Manager, Jim Leyland wanted to make sure Rivera had that opportunity to get in the game, save opportunity or not. Rivera, entered to his tune, "Sandman," The 45,186 cheered for 90 seconds. Rivera on the mound held back tears as members of the AL and NL squads came out of the dugouts and realized they were cheering also for a baseball icon.

"It almost made me cry," commented Rivera. "It was close. It was amazing. I will never forget that."

He threw 16 pitches, 11 going for strikes. It was, as Rivera said one of the best moments of his career along with the five world championships he has with the Yankees. But, this night not even Rivera could sense that this final Al-Star game would be so overwhelming.

It ended the way it was supposed to with Rivera getting the MVP Award. It was one inning with the best in the game.And there may never be another one like him,

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