Mariano Rivera's Last All-Star Appearance

(PHOTO: Matt Slocum/AP Photo)

So there are some who are complaining about Jim Leyland putting Mariano Rivera in during the 8th inning in last night's All-Star Game rather than in the 9th. This is my take on it.

Leyland was being safe by making sure Mo got in the game. It's not like he pulled a Cito Gaston and not putting him in at all a-la Mike Mussina in 1993. What if the National League got 4 runs in the bottom of the 8th against someone else on the mound and won the game with Mo waiting in the bullpen. THAT would have been worse. Leyland found himself in a no-win situation with the home field belonging to the N.L. He got Mo got in the game. This is what Mo had to say:

"I wanted to pitch," Rivera said. "Anything can happen. Leyland wanted to make sure I pitch, so it was a great idea. I appreciate him giving me the opportunity, here in New York. I think it was perfect."

Mo had his moment. his final All-Star standing ovation by the fans AND fellow All-Stars, a Mariano-like 1-2-3 inning plus the MVP Award to boot. As a Yankees fan, that's all I care about. Agree? Disagree?

For the record, Mariano Rivera is a 13-time All Star (1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013) appearing in 9 games (1997, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2013) and finishing with a 0.00 ERA with 4-saves, 5-hits allowed, 5-strikeouts, no walks and only 1-unearned run allowed. No bad. Not bad at all.

Sisco Kid