List of top 100 performers in the game – MLB 2012 Update - Part 31
61. Mariano Rivera
The 42-year-old veteran from Panama, Mariano Rivera had seen it all in a career stretching over two decades. From death and Texas to dominance on the field, he has been a complete package for the baseball fans and supporters.
After John Wetteland departed from New York in 1996, Rivera took over the closer role in the Yankee’s team. Showing his amazing throwing and pitching skills, he won the hearts of millions of fans. Using his devastating cutter, the right handed closer has
saved more games than any other player in baseball history to shape a Hall of Fame career for himself.
Rivera is a very down to earth player and that what keeps him going even in the toughest of times. Looking at his outstanding career 1.00 WHIP and 4.04 K/BB, it is easy to know why he has been so successful over the years.
His .76 career postseason WHIP goes on to suggest that he is master at minimising traffic at the bases. In addition to being the most dynamic closer in the game right now, Mo is the most likable Yankee among the fans.
He will be hoping to have another strong season in Major League Baseball this year before he calls it a career. New York Yankees, on the other hand, will be looking to make the most of having the most reliable reliever in their side.
"Without question we're talking about the best reliever, in my opinion, in the history of baseball. This guy has become branded with the Yankee logo. People are going to remember this man for so long for what he's done," Brian Cashman said.
"He's very special. He loves the competition. He's always responded real well in big games. I think when you talk about his career, the reason he'll go to the Hall of Fame is all about the postseason. He's been second to none," Joe Torre said in an interview.
62. Dan Uggla
Dan Uggla started the 2011 season on a very poor note as he disappointed the fans big time. However, as the season progressed, in July, he boasted a revolting .587 OPS with just 12 home-runs and 28 RBI’s.
However, the guy returned to form just at the right time as he hit 21 homers with 48 RBI’s and an impressive .948 OPS after the All Star break through. In a display of some high quality hitting, the right handed striker enjoyed a 33-game hitting streak,
which is the longest in Atlanta Brave’s history.
Over the years, Uggla has produced match winning performances for the Braves and he holds the record for being the only player who has hit at least 30 home-runs in four consecutive seasons. Considering such performances, he should be ranked much higher on
this list if not for the fact that he is a poor second baseman.
Making unforced errors in the field, he has let himself down on several occasions. His -29.7 Fld since 2009 is the worst among all players at this position. If Uggla can maintain his sensational hitting form throughout his career, the Braves wouldn’t mind
living with his horrendous defence.
Continued in Part 32
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