As of right now, Mariano Rivera's contemplating retirement. The best closer in the history of the game is returning from a knee injury that sidelined him and prevented the New York Yankee relief pitcher from willingly stepping away from the game. Now, Rivera says he is contemplating retirement and will give word on his final decision before the beginning of the season.
He's actually made a choice, but Rivera won't share it with the public until the time has come. "I won't give it up until I'm ready for that. I will tell you guys when it is the right moment," said Rivera from Yankee camp.
Rivera was available for interview since he was present at the Yankees' first official Spring Training workout.
Rivera's last time on the field isn't too memorable. He didn't get injured striking out a player or making a diving play off a bunt late in the ball game to record a save and a Yankee's win. Rivera was in the outfield during batting practice fielding fly balls in Kansas City during early May when he fell and tore his ACL.
Rivera was seen sporting a brace on his right knee as he continues to work his way from the injury.
The Yankees found themselves in a perfect situation having signed Rafael Soriano in 2011. He was formerly used as a setup man. With Rivera down, Soriano stepped in and took over the closer role saving 42 games in 2012. He's now with the Washington Nationals after deciding to turn down a Yankees' 2013 option.
Rivera will look to prepare well during Spring Training, if in fact he decides to come back to baseball in 2013. Not that going out on an injury will lessen the effect Rivera has had on baseball. He's dominated the game with one pitch- a heavy two-seam breaking ball that has been practically invisible for years.
He has 608 saves, recording at least 40 saves in eight of his 18 seasons and twice has finished with atleast 50 saves or more in a season.
He's a five-time champion and if Rivera decides to retire at the end of Spring Training, he will walk away as a legend and the best closer to ever play the game.