WHY THE DROB-MARIANO COMBO IS THE BEST IN BASEBALL

It’s been well documented here at BYB that the David Robertson-Mariano Rivera 8th inning-9th inning combo is the best in baseball. It’s a joy to watch both of these guys slam the door in the final two innings, and as Yankee fans we’re very lucky to have these guys on our team.

David Robertson has been dynamite out of the ‘pen in 2012, as well as 2011 following two solid seasons in 2009 and 2010. He’s yet to allow an earned run so far this year and he’s struck out 18 while walking just three. In fact, Robertson hasn’t allowed a run since August 29, 2011 at Baltimore when he allowed a solo homerun to JJ Hardy, his only homer allowed that year.

As of now, Robertson has pitched 24.2 consecutive scoreless innings, and TBS’ John Smoltz went as far as saying last Sunday that Robertson could break Orel Hershiser’s consecutive scoreless innings streak of 59 set back in 1988. I’m not sure if that’ll happen, but it’s nice to see the outside media, and someone who knows a great deal about the game, praising someone like DRob.

Now onto the second part of this dynamic duo: Mariano Rivera. Rivera is once again beating father time. We all know what he’s accomplished; most saves in big-league history, the only pitcher to ever appear in 1,000 games with one team, lowest ERA and most saves in postseason history, etc., etc. But in what seems to be his final year in his big league career, Mo is off to another great start.

Rivera has appeared in nine games and has pitched to a 2.16 ERA. He also has five saves, and he hasn’t allowed a run since Opening Day when he blew the save and eventually lost the game to the Tampa Bay Rays. Mo is one of those guys that I have zero worries about even if he blows a save or two in a row. He’s just been so good for so long that I feel very confident about him no matter what happens on the field.

It’s that simple; the Yankees have the best 8th inning- 9th inning combo in the sport and there really isn’t much of a debate. I know there are some other impressive 8th inning-9th inning combos around Major League Baseball. Joaquin Benoit and Jose Valverde in Detroit, or Jonny Venters and Craig Kimbrel in Atlanta come to mind, but those guys don’t have quite the track record these guys have. They don’t have to play under the bright lights in the Bronx, which always isn’t the easiest thing to do. I know the Yankees have their share of problems right now, but just realize that this team has the 8th and 9th inning covered with these two guys. There aren’t many teams with that luxury, and we should remember that.

--Jesse Schindler, BYB Lead Staff Writer
Follow me on Twitter @SchindlerJesse


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