tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

End Of An Era

The New York Yankees suffered more than a 4-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals last night. They lost the one constant they have had for the last 15 years. The one advantage they have had over every team in major league baseball. When Mariano Rivera crashed into the outfield wall at Kaufmann Stadium, the greatest closer in the history of baseball probably ended his career. It shouldn't end this way but it is hard to imagine that the 42 year old first ballot hall of famer will ever pitch again. A torn ACL and meniscus is hard to overcome for a younger man let alone a 42 year old.

Rivera had it all: class and excellence. He is respected by teammates and opponents. The Yankees will never be the same and now the heat will be on to find his replacement. The obvious choice will be David Robertson. Robertson has been outstanding as the Yankees main set-up guy, a similar spot that Rivera held back in 1996 for John Wetteland. The pressure will be on this young man from Alabama. It will be his job to replace a legend, not an easy task.

This Yankee team is floundering now. The middle of the line-up, particularly Robinson Cano and Mark Teixiera, are struggling. The starting pitching is in disarray. And now the bullpen will be put to the test as their main constant is gone for the season and possibly for good. We will learn a lot about this Yankee team. Will they be able to overcome this devastating blow?? Or with an aging line-up and inconsistent starting pitching will they fade away? The way things look now, this team is in trouble and someone will need to step up and start producing.