Let me simply say that at no time in his career has Jeter been the feared hitter in the Yankee lineup....he has been outstanding, but others now and then were always more feared than #2.

I hear you in terms of his clubhouse presence. Some guys have it and some don't and that is not easily replaced. I agree. I will add that for the last 15 years the Yanks have known that if they get to the 8th/9th inning with a lead...the game is likely over and done. IMO, that is just as important mentally as Jeter stroking ARod's ego or taking up for Posada to keep the chemistry in the locker room. Jeter has had an amazing career on and off the field. No doubt. He and Justin Timberlake should be the inaugural inductees in the Bachelor's Hall of Fame...word up....but I digress.....I guess saying they can get another Jeter is a stretch. Neither player is truly replaceable. They can get another productive shortstop but not necessarily another Jeter. I do think they will find a productive shortstop before they find a closer anywhere near as productive as Rivera. His dominance over 15 years is what gets Rivera my vote.

 

Not only that, but how many games have they won when it was tied late and Rivera pitched anywhere from 1-3 scoreless innings, giving them time to score. Again, the mental aspect of knowing your guy isn't going to allow a run would allow the hitters to relax more, rather then having a tendency to press in that situation.

 

Honestly, both are unique players. Both have been remarkably durable and consistent. And, both are great character guys. Character and clubhouse issues aside, because it is unlikely that aspect will be replicated in the replacement for either player, I think it will be easier for the Yankees to find a replacement for Jeter's on-field production.

 

I also think the atmosphere, ownership and expectations that currently exist in New York will make it harder for a guy like Jeter to emerge. He came up and developed at a time when the Yankees were just emerging from a decade or so of struggles. They built that first group in a more traditional way and they had a different sort of chemistry. I don't see that happening with the way they currently operate, but you never know.

They are both first ballot HOFers IMHO.

 

Thanks.

Isn't comparing the achievements of a relief pitcher and a short stop like comparing the achievements of a short yardage RB specialist to those of a safety?

Extraordinarily easy choice - a virtual no-brainer. Mariano is the all-time best at his position, and it's not even close. And he's been even better in the post-season, where in theory the opposition is stronger than during the regular-season.

 

No contest.

Extraordinarily easy choice - a virtual no-brainer. Mariano is the all-time best at his position, and it's not even close. And he's been even better in the post-season, where in theory the opposition is stronger than during the regular-season.

 

No contest.

 

I'm not as convinced that it's as much of a landslide, but I do agree that it's Rivera. Greatest closer in history & even more lights-out in the postseason.