Among the myriad reports on the internet announcing that the NY Yankees have agreed to a deal with free agent closer Mariano Rivera (two years, $30 million) comes this little ditty: Sports Illustrated reporter Jon Heyman says the Red Sox offered Rivera more money and more years than the Yankees!
Wow!
It makes you wonder what would have happened with Jonathan Papelbon if the Sox had been able to land Rivera…would they have non-tendered him?
What does the pursuit of Rivera say about the ball club’s confidence in Papelbon? It may underscore the fact this will be Pappy’s last year with The Olde Towne Team, and it may emphasize they have questions as to whether Daniel Bard is ready to assume the closer’s mantle in 2012 (Rivera would have given him another year or two to learn the ropes and grow into the role).
One thing is for certain: The Red Sox went after the Yankees’ jugular on this one!
The hot stove is starting to heat up…
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