WHY MARIANO HAS GOOD INSTINCTS

He's like a lion. Top of the mountain, observing. He doesn't say much, but when he does, we listen. And even when all the hype about Manny Banuelos sounds promising, it isn't a confirmation until Mariano Rivera says so.

Interviewing on ESPN, Mariano said of Manny "I like everything about him... The makeup and how he keeps his composure. I notice situations and how you react in situations. Where you make your pitches in tough situations, where you spot your pitches, he has the ability to do that."

Banuelos is tremendously talented, 20, lefty and much like the hype of Phil Hughes years ago, comparing him to Roger Clemens, Banuelos is all people talk about lately. The talent is that good.

But while Yankee brass knows that they have a good thing, the last thing they want to do is rush a young arm. According to Girardi, Manny will start in AA ball this year. Personally, I agree with that to an extent. Yes, I want him to grow in the minors, but, hopefully it's a quick graduation and perhaps we see him a little this year. Many believe that just won't happen, that we'll see him in 2012 instead. After all, One thing the Yankees need to think about is their pitching future.

Yes, they have CC with an opt-out clause at the end of the season, they have a still unknown Burnett to pitch in an actual game that counts this season, and they have a broken down Freddy Garcia who has so far WOW'ed everyone in Spring training. Ultimately, the pitching is more of a concern at the end of 2011 than now, just because of the question marks, so keeping Manny is something that Cashman will really want to do. The question is, if King Felix becomes available, will that change things.

One thing is for sure, Mariano's opinion matters. He literally spearheaded the Rafael Soriano deal so the Yanks wouldn't be left with a hole in their closer spot after he retires and so he could teach Soriano the tricks of the Bronx. Brilliant. Now Mariano is sending another message, Manny's too talented to trade away.Rivera, according to ESPN, is taking Banuelos under his wing. Rivera told him to focus, especially with all the hype surrounding him. "Stay humble, stay within yourself, God will take care of the rest."

Let me stop for a second. Is Rivera a genius? Seriously. I mean, he's bound to be a front office guy or pitching coach for the Yankees forever right? He is great with these kids. Bottom Line, Mariano is a God. Word is law and Yankee brass will follow Mo's law because no one knows the game of ball better than Mo. Maturity, ability and pride for the pinstripes, no one knows those things better than the Sandman.

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