Mariano Rivera arrived at Yankees camp today. Here's some of what he told the media, via
George A. King III:
“A year at a time and see what happens,’’ Rivera said this morning prior to the first workout for pitchers and catchers at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “I want to play but I don’t know how many years.’’
...
“It all depends on how I feel. I can’t say I am, ‘Forty, forty.’ But I feel good,’’ Rivera said. “I feel strong and I want to play the game I love to play.’
He also spoke about his upcoming contract negotiations and didn't seem too bothered that Cashman won't do any deals until after the season.
“He is the boss,’’ Rivera said of GM Brian Cashman. “He said he won’t do it, he won’t do it. Hopefully, I stay healthy and do my job. The rest is in their court, they (call) the shots. I definitely want to pitch but I don’t make those decisions. I want to pitch but it’s another thing if they want me here. But I don’t want to get into that situation because I have a job to do.’’
Mo might be a little upset that the Yanks won't resign him now, anyone in his position would be justified if they were. But like always he handles the situation as good as anybody. This quote from
Pete Caldera tells you all you need to know about his mindset:
"I have a contract this year,’’ he said. “That’s all I need to know. The rest is not under my control, therefore, I don’t have to worry about that."
From the Yankees standpoint it does make sense to wait and see what kind of year he has before extending him. You don't want to give him another two years and then watch him have a bad year. In then end, my guess is that Mo has another Mo year and gets another nice contract.
