Daily Archives: October 19, 2007
At his blog for the Journal News, Yankees beat writer Peter Abraham writes that Mariano Rivera is ‘more determined than ever’ to test the free-agent market, considering how the recent treatment of Joe Torre.
…the early buzz from baseball suggests mo may have settled for a two-year deal from the Yankees, but could now pursue a third year, either guaranteed or as an option, all in the area of $12 million per season…
…and, yes, i do believe the Mets would have as good of a shot as any in landing him, considering he would not have to move homes and could be reunited with Willie Randolph…however, it is safe to assume that mo will pursue a closer’s roll, instead, and not settle for being a set-up man to Billy Wagner…
This past season for the Yankees, for the first time since his rookie year in 1995, the 37–year-old Rivera had an ERA higher than 3.00, while blowing four saves.
Meanwhile, while Wagner put up a 1.64 ERA with one blown save through his first 36 appearances last season, he blew four saves in his final 30 appearances with a 3.90 ERA.
Wagner is due $10.5 million during each of the next two seasons, after which he can be eligible for free agency.
