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All-Star Game 2008: Should Rivera Start Or Relieve?
By Chad Matejicka on June 23rd, 2008 3:44 PM |
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Only a few days ago, did a fellow Yankee fan inform me of the rumors that Mariano Rivera should start this year’s All-Star game at Yankee Stadium. And while I do believe that All-Star games are for the fans and to honor special players who may be retiring but not worthy of being there that year, such as Cal Ripken in 2001, this is not something that I would agree with.
I understand that there is no guarantee the American League will be winning or be in a possible save situation for Rivera to come in, but overall I feel it keeps the integrity of the game in tact. While Rivera would not pitch more than an inning to either start the game or close the game, the argument will always be what is the difference. And to me, there is a difference. Rivera is a reliever and there are plenty of starters who are better positioned to start this game and eventually help to bridge the gap to Rivera.
During this game, there is no question in my mind that manager Terry Francona will pitch Rivera regardless of the score because of what he means to Yankee fans and Yankee Stadium; however, Rivera needs to stay in his role. If you really think about it, the same amount of electricity will exist if Rivera starts and pitches for one inning as opposed to relieving in a meaningless inning. Thus, Francona and his staff should stick to the basic All-Star pitching breakdown for his starters and relievers.
I know Yankee fans will most likely favor starting Rivera, however, I would rather sit back and take my chances that the outfield gates will open in the 9th and Rivera will be coming in with a chance to save the game for the American League.
“Enter Sandman“ would not sound any better, unless of course it was in October to close out the World Series and Yankee Stadium for good.
There are currently 4 responses to “All-Star Game 2008: Should Rivera Start Or Relieve?”
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Rivera comes in to Enter Sandman and gets a 1-2-3 inning. But then “Enter Sandman” plays again. Billy Wagner comes in to close out the All-Star game for the NL. He matches Rivera and goes 1-2-3 to end the game and the NL wins the All-Star game.
But in all seriousness, I think it is an interesting idea. I agree it would be more special for Rivera to close the game. But not a terrible idea by whoever thought of it. Very good thought.
I think that is the worst idea I have ever heard. Rivera STARTING the AS Game? Who is the ‘fan’ who gave you that idea. Chad, stick to what is right. You are an real fan of the game and you bleed yankee blue. Please do not let knuckleheads like that put a crazy idea in your head. I am god
GTOM,
The story originally broke on a Yankees telecast on YES last week. The announcers were talking about it and then my friend informed me. I am with you GTOM, I do not support it, but you know NY and the media, they will blow it up.
Thanks for the support.
Chad
And then Billy Wagner blows the game, explodes with an abusive torrent of Texan curse words, calls out three of his Mets’ teammates (who weren’t actually playing that night) for not doing their job, and is eventually knocked out by Carlos Zambrano.
Rivera starting is an awful idea. His coming into the game would be so much more special as a reliever, especially as the closer, as that is what he is known for. I agree, Francona is going to get him in there no matter what. I don’t think it would lessen the integrity of the All Star game if he started as the ASG has absolutely no integrity and is a complete sham anyway, but I think it would be more meaningful and special to Yankees fans for him to come in during the 9th.