From Ruth to Rivera, Those Yankees Spikes Hard to Fill
February 24, 2012 · Peter Alfano · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Ever since he arrived in Tampa for spring training, Mariano Rivera has dropped hints that 2012 may be the year of Exit Sandman. In 17 seasons with the Yankees, Rivera has saved a major league record 603 games and added another 42 in postseason play.
He is the best closer in history, and the Yankees won’t be replacing him as much as looking for someone to fill the closer’s role. For an analogy, think about Ray Perkins, the fair-haired All-American at Alabama who left as the New York Giants head coach to succeed the Bear in Tuscaloosa.
Perkins was 32-15-1 In four seasons and took the Tide to three bowl games. But it wasn’t good enough for fans and boosters who have measured every Alabama coach by the standard for winning set by Bryant.
Knicks fans have never warmed to any of the centers who followed Willis Reed, the captain, who led the franchise to its only two NBA championships. Now, it’s Tyson Chandler’s turn.
And good luck to Andrew Luck who will be trying to pick up where Peyton Manning left off in Indianapolis.
If Rivera indeed calls it a career after this season, speculation will begin about the heir to the throne. Will the Yankees trade for a closer or pursue a free agent, if any are available?
Will it be David Robertson who was lights out as the setup man last season with a 4-0 record, 1.08 ERA and 40 holds?
Or will the Yankees finally decide to convert Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain (coming off arm surgery) into the closer’s role?
Perhaps, it will be better to be the closer who follows the closer who replaces Rivera.
For a franchise with the long and glorious history of the Yankees, being an heir apparent is a challenge. You play in the sometimes harsh spotlight of New York and are expected to do as well as your predecessor. Look at all those numbers the Yankees have retired.
Here’s a look at a few of the “replacements” for Yankee icons:
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