Is it just me, or is Mariano Rivera the best active relief pitcher?

[Loyal]

Poll question: Is it just me, or is Mariano Rivera the best active relief pitcher?

I was watching last night's game, and the Yankees had built up quite a nice lead over the Marlins. Torre sent Rivera in to relieve Mike Mussina, and he pitched a hell of a closer. He was throwing every kind of dirty pitch he had and he was just incredible, basically. He's much better as a reliever than a starter, and Torre has figured out just the right games for him to be in. He has a 0.79 post season ERA, and something like 27 postseason saves, with only 2 failed saves. :) Mariano Rivera rocks!!

[Don_G]

1. There's A Baseball Game On?

:shrug:

[Wwagsthedog]

2. Gagne from the LA Dodgers

He accomplished 100% of his regular season save opportunities. The only one he blew was in the all star game giving up the winning HR to Hank Blalock.

[donotpassgo]

4. When Gagne has a .73 ERA in the Playoffs over the span of 8 years

THEN we can talk.

[Wwagsthedog]

5. Maybe someday he can be on the best team money can buy

n/t

[donotpassgo]

7. He's on the Dodgers...THE WORST TEAM MONEY CAN BUY

wrong time to pull out that lame ass argument. Because we all know Spending lots of money on a team and signing big name free agents and being in a big market GUARANTEES you a winning team. Just like the Dodgers, right? They spend all this money and win all the time. And everyone is jealous of them because, man, they bought such a winning team. The Dodgers and the Mets. Just can't stand how much they WIN all the time.

[Loyal]

15. LMAO!

:)

[Loyal]

18. you don't know anything about baseball,

if you think gagne is better. The mets have the 2nd highest payroll and look at them. The marlins have a tiny payroll and they're in the world series. Your point is shot to shit, why don't you learn about the game, maybe? Or it is just so liberal of you to hate success.

[maveric]

3. Ill take a "Healthy" Trevor Hoffman over Rivera any day.

Aside from this last season(injuries/surgery), he has been automatic in save situations. Its a shame that the Padres dont often have a lead in the late innings to warrant putting him in to save a game.
He's got the best changeup in baseball and still has a little heat left.
Rivera is a big-game releiver and often does better in the playoffs than during the regular season.

[Renew Deal]

8. That's why you are a Red Sox fan.

You know nothing about how to win.

[frylock]

9. trevor worked a curveball into his routine while rehabbing..

to go along with that filthy change.

[Uzybone]

6. WHAAAATTTT!!!!

the best active?? He is the best of All time!!! No one comes close. Some others have built up nice stats but we havent seen them perform in the pressure situations like we have seen Mariano. His ERA in the playoffs is 0.75. Nuff said.

[Loyal]

10. For real, man!!!

He has 27 saves and 2 failed saves. He is fucking incredible. Much better as a starter than as a reliever.

[Red_Storm]

11. Anyone questioning .............

Mariano Rivera as the best relief pitcher in the game is:

A. An Idiot
B. A Hater
C. A Rugby fan
D. All Of The Above

[VermontDem2004]

12. Gagne!!!!!!!!!!!!

60 something consecutive saves.

[Red_Storm]

13. yeah ok ...........

take Gagne's regular season saves VS all of Mariano's saves in pressure packed playoff games..........Gagne can get on his knees and kiss all of Mariano's rings.........

[VermontDem2004]

14. Are the Dodgers in the playoffs?

No, Mariano's regular season stats are no where near Gagne's, if I want someone to close out a game for me I will take Gagne over Mariano any day.

[Loyal]

16. Thank GOD you aren't a major league manager

nt

[LSdemocrat]

17. Maybe a couple of years ago . . .

He's not quite as automatic. I'd go with Gagne.