As pitchers and catchers report for spring training, so does Mariano Rivera. The 43-year old pitcher missed almost all of last season when he tore ligaments in his knee back in May. Much has been made since then about his future with the New York Yankees and what his overall baseball career will look like when he becomes healthy again. When Rivera arrived at spring training, he revealed he will announce his future plans about his career prior to Opening Day. His decision could come as early as this week.
Last May, while catching fly balls in the outfield, Rivera fell and tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The activity is a pregame ritual for Rivera, something he plans to continue doing despite having ended his season because of it. The pitcher hinted during spring training of last year that 2012 might be his final season, but when the injury hit, so did that plan. Now the question is, does he operate under that same idea on for the 2013 season?
"There are some things that I have to do. There are some personal things. Don't worry, the time will come. You guys have been patient enough. I've been patient. Another day or a week, it won't hut," Rivera said.
Rivera looks like his old self while throwing 25 pitches in a bullpen session on the first day of spring training for the Yankees. Normally during this time, Rivera operates under his own specific schedule. He throws six-to-ten innings and will increase his work load as camp continues. He does not go on any road trips for spring training games. Rivera is the all-time saves leader with 608. According to manager Joe Girardi, Rivera looks normal and is showing no signs of discomfort. He believes his star closer will take things slow and be cautious to not overthrow.
Rivera vows to return as the same pitcher he was prior to the injury. He expects to be at the same All-Star status all the way through next October.
"I'm definitely expecting good things. That's what I always demand of myself. I'm looking for that, or else I wouldn't be here. I want to help this team as much as I can. If I'm not doing what I'm supposed to be doing, I'm not helping at all," Rivera said.
Coming into spring training with a championship mindset, Rivera said he is motivated to win another championship for New York. If this is his final season, he wants it to be memorable.
