Crawford/AGonzo to Sox...Uh Oh

[Jim VB]

Originally Posted by JohnnyHarmonica

Did the Red Sox or Yankees pick up a closer yet ?

The Yankees have a pretty good closer under contract. His name is Mariano something or other.

[ChiefBenderForever]

Originally Posted by Jim VB

The Yankees have a pretty good closer under contract. His name is Mariano something or other.

He had his time but the fork has been in him for awhile.

[Robextend]

Originally Posted by JohnnyHarmonica

He had his time but the fork has been in him for awhile.

Going to have to disagree with you Johnny...Mariano is still the best in the business:

1.80 ERA
0.83 WHIP (Best in his career)
33 Saves

The fork is definitely not in this guy yet.

[ChiefBenderForever]

He is good but I just feel like they are the Celtics of baseball, last year both needed to get it done because age has finally caught up.

[Robextend]

It's possible you are right, and Boston's recent moves are going to make things even that much tougher for them. Me being the optimistic Yankee fan is counting on Jeter playing with a chip on his shoulder and Mariano being his old reliable self.

I also think Granderson is gonna hit 30HR, and if A-Rod stays healthy all year Tex/A-Rod/Cano are the best 3-4-5 in baseball. Should be a fun season in the AL East!

[Jim VB]

Originally Posted by JohnnyHarmonica

He had his time but the fork has been in him for awhile.

LOL! That's why the Red Sox made him an offer last week. They were ready to jettison Papplebon.

[ChiefBenderForever]

Papplebon cost the Red Sox any shot at the playoffs so anything is better than him. Mariano was the best but he is not the same as he was. I like both teams but they are both on the decline and only looking worse.

[Robextend]

Every year Mariano gets older I used to say this might be it, but he keeps having years with an ERA under 2, and a WHIP under 1. His "decline" still leaves him as the best closer in baseball, or at least still one of the best.

Papelbon - 3.90 ERA, 1.26 WHIP...now that is a little troubling...maybe just an off-year.

[ChiefBenderForever]

Papelbon has one pitch and is a headcase, even if an off year Red Sox are in serious trouble, the longevity of Mariano is amazing. But to lose to a hack team like the Rangers is not looking good going into next year but will be fun to watch. Red Sox will not make the playoffs again so no need to even worry about them.

[canjond]

If the Yanks land Lee, there is no way the Sox can match up with their rotation.