CENTER FIELD :: Thanks A Lot, Rivera

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Thanks A Lot, Rivera

I really hate it when a member of the New York Yankees does something that makes me like him, even just a teeny-tiny little bit. For example, when the hated Joba Chamberlain writes adorable little text messages to Clay Buchholz. Fortunately, the very fact that they make me (temporarily) like them is reason enough to turn back around and hate them again. It's a very convenient vicious circle.

So I'm safe to disclose that this article from the Commercial Dispatch made me heart Mariano Rivera just a tad:

The Boston Red Sox can thank a member of the New York Yankees for one thing.

If it wasn't for a little encouragement from Yankee closer Mariano Rivera, Jonathan Papelbon may not have developed into the type of pitcher capable of finishing a World Series game with a save for the Red Sox.

Already a pretty good closer himself, Papelbon felt the need of getting a little advice from Rivera during the 2006 All-Star Game.

"Even though he plays for the Yankees, I sat down and talked with him for about an hour after the All-Star Game was over and just tried to pick his brain," Papelbon said. "At the end of our conversation, he said, 'Pap look, you're going to follow me, but you are going to do it for a different team and just always remember that closers have to have a short term memory. You have to walk into the office the next day (after you blow a save) and act like nothing happened.' I've kind of taken that approach."

Mariano Rivera: I don't completely hate you. Are you happy now?

Comments (7)

[ Margaret ] says:
on January 17, 2008 9:56 PM

God, that was really a low blow of Rivera to be all nice and everything. Sheesh.

[ Twinkie ] says:
on January 17, 2008 10:15 PM

Personally? I have hated him so much less since he blew those saves back in 2004...

[ jules ] says:
on January 18, 2008 8:37 AM

"Fortunately, the very fact that they make me (temporarily) like them is reason enough to turn back around and hate them again. It's a very convenient vicious circle."

That made me laugh out loud. Classic! But, in this case, I completely agree. That was cool of Rivera, even if he is a Yankee.

[ MG ] says:
on January 18, 2008 12:29 PM

Mariano Rivera is the only Yankee that TBF does not have virulent blinding hatred for. He's supposed to be a very nice, very religious man. Last winter the nyc subways were filled with LARGE PHOTOS of Mariano encouraging people to read the bible. It was in Spanish, so it didn't bother me as much as random English-language exhortations to dictate my religious behavior would, for some reason.

[ Liza ] says:
on January 18, 2008 9:24 PM

I find it hard to hate only three Yankees: Derek Jeter (shoot me, I know, but I respect the guy), Joba Chamberlain (he's just so sweet and innocent and YOUNG, not like the rest of 'em), and Rivera.

But my hate for A-Snob and especially Demon more than make up for the lack of hate in these areas.

[ LifeLongSoxFan ] says:
on January 18, 2008 9:26 PM

Yep - I'll admit it....I like some of the Yankee players and Mariano is one of them.

[ Texas Gal ] says:
on January 19, 2008 6:00 AM

Mariano is real tough to hate because (a) he is a fantastic pitcher, probably the best reliever of this generation (if not all-time), and (b) he is not an asshole.

I really hate it when the Yankees aren't assholes. I feel they owe it to the rest of the country to kick puppies or steal candy from babies or something.

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