The Arrogance Of Bobby V.

Honesty is such a lonely word.

Everyone is so untrue.

Honesty is hardly ever heard.

And mostly what I need from you.

~ Billy Joel ~

I have always been honest in my blogging. Although my opinion s might be considered a far cry from the masses, they are always heartfelt and honest. I am passionate about this sport and the Mets, as I am passionate about my beliefs on the game, its history, and its integrity.

Now let’s think outside the box. Recently on Baseball Tonight, Bobby Valentine, who is still searching for another Major League managing position, offered this opinion, or in his warped mind, fact: Mariano Rivera is the greatest pitcher to ever play Professional Baseball.

To quote Valentine directly: “He always rises to the occasion. I absolutely think he's the greatest of all-time."

WHAT???? Back to the honesty…I hate the Yankees, their 26 (possibly 27 tonight) World Championships, players past and present excluding a rare few, and everyone and anyone (other than Red Barber) associated with this franchise. That being said, Mariano has had an unparalleled career compared to other closers throughout history. He will be enshrined in Cooperstown one day, but he is not the greatest pitcher ever. I hold that honor for Sandy Koufax, but that’s just me.

Rivera has been great, but not flawless. He was the one who lost the seventh game of the 2001 World Series. Not just from Luis Gonzales game winning hit, but he also committed an error in that same inning.

In 2004 with the Yankees leading the game and the series (3-0), Rivera denied his team a trip to the Fall Classic by blowing the save when Dave Roberts stole second, and scored the tying run on Bill Mueller’s single. The Yankees lost that game in extra innings. He also blew the save in Game 5.

Valentine, as we know, is a snob when it comes to baseball. He is a relatively smart man, but he seems to think just because he is intelligent, that no one else is. He believes his baseball sense is beyond reproach or questioning.

I’m sure this ESPN gig is only temporary until V. lands a managing job in possibly Houston or Washington. To his next employer, be prepared to have to deal with an arrogant, self-righteous baseball man who believes he is the second coming. He is about as much that as Mariano is the greatest pitcher in baseball history.

Source: Jerry Green - The Detroit News