602

Mariano Rivera has just set the all-time Major League record for career saves with 602.

You can argue about the legitimacy and importance of all kinds of different statistical records in baseball, even saves.  I mean, Lee Smith held the record before Hoffman, and he still isn't close to sniffing the Hall of Fame.  But in this case, I think we can all agree that this record holds more meaning because it confirms what anybody who understands baseball already knows.  That Mariano Rivera is the greatest closer of all time.  And if there were still any baseball fans out there who doubted that statement, today ends the debate once and for all.

Congratulations, Mo.  It's an accomplishment well deserved.  And fitting to end it on a strikeout.

Tough Weekend For The Rotation

(7 HR allowed in his last 14 IP.  Oofda! (Courtesy of Getty Images)

- CC on Friday night: 5.2 IP, 10 H, 4 BB, 4 ER, 8 K

- Bartolo on Saturday: 4 IP, 7 H, 1 BB, 6 ER, 3 K

- Freddy yesterday: 4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 ER, 4 K

I know the 6-man rotation was designed to keep guys like Colon and Garcia (and Phil Hughes) healthy down the stretch.  But clearly it has not been helpful to the staff's ability to pitch.  CC continues to show now command of his fastball, Colon continues to struggle with his as well, and Freddy Garcia has fallen off the cliff in September after being damn good through August.  Yesterday's start marked the 3rd straight outing in which he's not only failed to go more than 5 innings, but also the 3rd straight outing in which he's allowed multiple HRs.  He's allowed 21 H and 16 ER in just 12.1 innings over 3 starts this month.  It's almost like the entire team is in on some secret plan to get A.J. included on the postseason roster by pitching so poorly.

Just like with Curtis' recent slump, somehow this hasn't affected the Yankees' ability to win, as they actually increased their division lead to 4.5 games during this rough road trip.  But they finish the season with 10 games against the Sawx and Rays, and they're still in the process of lining up the rotation for the playoffs.  With the way guys are pitching right now, I'd hate to be in Joe's shoes when it comes to picking the 2, 3, and 4 starters because nobody has really stood out lately.  Hopefully juggling guys around and getting them back on a regular rest schedule helps them find their stuff, because the extra rest certainly hasn't helped at all.