Master of the Bullpen Dojo

Mariano Rivera is arguably the greatest closer off all time. There's no doubt he's the greatest at the position in the post-season. But what makes Mo even greater, is his desire to work with his teammates to help make them better. As the Star-Ledger's Dan Graziano explains, it's become a second full-time job.

"Look," Rivera will say, pointing to the batting cage as he delivers one of his standard lessons. "It's batting practice. They know what pitch is coming. And they still don't hit a home run every time."

That's Mariano Rivera working with his fellow bullpen mates on the mental aspect of the game. It's his way of telling them, "don't be afraid to throw strikes." Mo's teachings have had a great impact on his teammates, both young and old. Veteran Luis Vizcaino turned his season around last year after Mo became his personal tutor.

"He's a great speaker, and he just has a way of getting his point across," Joba Chamberlain said the other day, at his locker next to Rivera's in the Legends Field home clubhouse. "It's powerful, forward and to the point. And you get completely engrossed in what he's saying."

"The greatest thing about Mariano Rivera is, after he says 'Hi,' the second word he tells you is something good for you," Yankees reliever Jose Veras said. "The second thing that comes out of his mouth is something to make you better. It's hard to find people like him."

When Mo broke into the bigs in 1995, Yankees closer John Wetteland took him under his wing. Now it's Mo's turn to help bring the kids along. Edwar Ramirez follows him around like a younger brother. Mo takes this role very seriously.

"A lot of people feel the same way and do the same things," Rivera said. "I just think it's important for guys to know the right way to play the game. Not that I know everything about that, but I think I do know some things."

Whether or not he wants to remain in baseball past his playing days remains to be seen, but some team would very lucky to have Mariano Rivera on their coaching staff.

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