New York Yankees: Backup Closer Options If Mariano Rivera Retires This Winter
October 26, 2012 · Doug Rush · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
In 2012, the New York Yankees were without the services of Mariano Rivera for most of the year.
Now, heading into 2013, they may be faced with the realization of finding his replacement.
Andrew Marchand of ESPN reported that he talked to Yankees GM Brian Cashman and he does not know whether or not his closer will return to the mound for one more season.
The soon-to-be 43-year-old tore his ACL while shagging fly balls back on May 4 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City and left a gaping hole in the back of the Yankees’ bullpen.
Rafael Soriano was able to fill in and pitched well, saving 42 games, but Soriano is expected to opt out of his contract soon to become a free agent.
So, if Soriano opts out and Rivera retires, then Cashman needs to find a replacement, which is easier said than done.
How do you replace the greatest closer not only in Yankees history, but in all of baseball?
I really don’t know if you can ever replace what Rivera truly brought to the Yankees, but if he in fact retires this winter, then they need to scramble to find the next closer.
Here are a few options that Cashman could look into for the closer role.
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