Rod Beck anyone?

Yeah, Rivera's the best ever, I think most agree (?)... I don't think it's a bad question though, has a rookie closer EVER had such a good start to a career? I know he's only played in what, 20-some games, but it's interesting to have a hypothetical now and again ....

Anyways, Jason Isringhausen OWNS ALL*

*

Someone compare the careers of Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera and look at all the differences.

Although I still take Mariano in a two inning save situation, but otherwise their stats are eerily similar. Hoffman has the edge in SO/K ratio, Mariano has an edge in ERA. Rivera has saved 88.1% of his opportunities, Hoffman 90.0%. That is pretty much it. You can argue that Mariano gives up less HR's and has more wins, but he does play for the Yankees, and Hoffman for the Pads. Plus, I think the launching pad known as Qualcomm stadium has probably added a few HR's to Hoffman's resume.

Either way, both of them are 1st ballot HOFers in my book. Papelbon's got years to go to get close to stats like that.

Rod Beck. I miss Rod Beck. Not enough characters like him in baseball.

Chase Utley has been on my Fantasy team the last two years. I kept him last year the whole time waiting for the Phillies to get their heads out of their asses and start him everyday. That guy can be every bit as good as Jeff Kent has been and still is. If not for Kent, Utley would be the best at second in baseball right now hands down.