Yankees News & Notes: Mariano Rivera starting throwing program this week

One of the biggest stories impacting the Yankees in 2012 was Mariano Rivera‘s knee injury. Luckily for the ball club, Rafael Soriano saved 40+ games for the New York Yankees in 2012, helping fill the void, and then opted out of the last year of his contract. Once again, the nine inning pitching gig was open and Rivera used that leverage to sign a one-year, $10 million contract with bonuses and incentives for 2013, after threatening the team with retirement.

Giving it one more go (Image: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports)

Despite the contract, many were wondering whether Mo will return to glory. The 43-year-old is no spring chicken, but he said he’s well on his way to a full recovery by Spring Training, according to John Harper of the NY Daily News. Mo indicated that his knee is 95 percent recovered from the injury.

"“The last five percent will come quick.”"

Mo’s performance over the last five to seven years is unprecedented, but it remains to be seen if he can fully recover from such a devastating injury given his age. The Yankees believe he can, and they better hope he can or they are left without a proven closer in their bullpen right now.

Later today on YGY, look for Joe’s article on the merits of sabermetrics and how they have formed (for better or worse) discussions within the baseball community.