Mariano Rivera..a finalist for MLB DHL Delivery Man of the Yeara??

Mariano Rivera was nominated, and has now become a finalist for the MLB DHL Delivery Man of the Year. This is no surprise. Year after year, Mariano racks up the saves, K's, and a low ERA that we expect from him. He is by far the best closer of all-time, but he has some stiff competition this year. K-Rod has 62 saves on the year, and broke Bobby Thigpen's record of 57 saves in a single season. Mariano usually puts up all-star quality numbers, but this year he was better than ever. He was almost automatic. He might not have had as many saves as he did in prior years, but overall they have been far more impressive. It's like as he gets older..his numbers get even better. He posted a 1.43ERA this season through 69.1IP. That was his second best season ERA of his career. In 2005, he posted a 1.38ERA, but he pitched more innings. The season isn't over yet..so things can change. His WHIP this year is an unbelievable 0.68. Prior to this year..his lowest WHIP was 0.87. Rivera still averages over a strikeout per inning and has only allowed a remarkable 6 walks this season. Mariano has converted 38 of his 39 save opportunities. He only had one blown save on the year. (K-Rod blew 7 saves) He is definitely deserving, but we will have to wait and see how it turns out. Some thoughts: "Mo's so consistent in what he does. A lot of times, people don't talk about Mo as an athlete when Mo's a great athlete, and that's why he's able to do what he does." "With due respect to the game, it's OK to me, but to me, that isn't what it's about — it's about winning," Rivera said. "I'm a team player, and I'm not really thinking about myself, and that's the way it's going to be." Top 10 leaders in saves this year: PLAYER TEAM GP IP REC ERA SV BS SV% K/BB K/9 WHIP BA Francisco Rodriguez Angels 75 67.1 2-3 2.27 62 7 90 2.24 10.16 1.31 .219 Jose Valverde Astros 71 69.1 5-3 3.38 42 6 88 4.00 10.38 1.13 .219 Jonathan Papelbon Red Sox 65 67.1 5-4 2.00 41 5 89 10.71 10.02 .91 .215 Joakim Soria Royals 62 66.1 2-3 1.63 41 3 93 3.88 8.95 .84 .170 Brad Lidge Phillies 70 67.1 2-0 1.87 40 0 100 2.62 11.90 1.20 .192 Brian Wilson Giants 61 60.1 3-2 4.33 40 5 89 2.29 9.55 1.41 .253 Joe Nathan Twins 65 64.1 0-2 1.40 39 6 87 3.89 9.79 .93 .183 Mariano Rivera Yankees 63 69.1 6-5 1.43 38 1 97 12.67 9.87 .68 .168 Kerry Wood Cubs 64 65.1 5-4 3.31 34 6 85 4.61 11.43 1.10 .221 Francisco Cordero Reds 72 70.1 5-4 3.33 34 6 85 2.05 9.98 1.41 .235 2008 DHL Finalists: • Brian Fuentes, COL • Bobby Jenks, CWS • Brad Lidge, PHI • Joe Nathan, MIN • Jonathan Papelbon, BOS • Mariano Rivera, NYY • Francisco Rodriguez, LAA • B.J. Ryan, TOR • Joakim Soria, KC • Brad Ziegler, OAK