The Fan Hub

When Mariano Rivera reported to New York Yankees training camp on Monday, he announced that he has come to a decision regarding whether or not he will pitch beyond the 2012 season, but declined to say what that decision is. However, one needs only to use basic logic to realize what Rivera is saying: 2012 will be the 42-year-old closer’s final year in the big leagues.

Think about it: Rivera, who has been dancing around the retirement issue for years now, said that his decision is final and won’t be affected by what happens this season. So if he wanted to come back, things could still get in the way of that happening. He could get hurt. He could have a personal matter arise that prevents his return. He could have trouble coming to an agreement on a new contract after his runs out this season. No, despite his attempted coyness, Rivera all but announced his retirement on Monday.

So working off of that logic, the Yankees will naturally be looking for who will get the unenviable task of filling the shoes of the greatest closer of all time in 2013. The job was once thought to be Joba Chamberlain’s to lose, but the Yanks’ foolish decision to try and make him a starter and Chamberlain’s own head and arm troubles got in the way of that. No doubt he could still jump back to the top of the list if he can have a bounceback season after this year (once he returns from Tommy John surgery), but for now, he has been supplanted by setup man David Robertson.

Robertson took over the setup role when Chamberlain was lost for the season in June of last year, and all he managed to do over the final four months was compile a 0.93 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 45.1 innings, finishing the season with a 15-game scoreless streak (including playoffs). His season-ending Adjusted ERA+ of 410 was the best in baseball, and he became the first Yankees reliever to notch 100 strikeouts since Rivera did it in 1996.

Given that resume, it’s no secret that the Yankees will be expecting Robertson to step into the closer role when Rivera moves on. In case he falters for whatever reason, however, they’ll also be keeping a close eye on Rafael Soriano, who was signed to a ridiculous three-year, $35 million deal prior to last season, to see if they can finally get some return on their investment.

— Craig Lowell