Someone at Sports Illustrated had the gall to put Trevor Hoffman on the cover as the so-called best reliever of all time a few years ago. Since that time, I have yet to buy an issue of Sports Illustrated including the annual Swimsuit issue. I feel that strongly about this glaring oversight. Are their editors drug tested? Are covers proof read before publication?
My theory was proven correct last night at Hoffman blew a lead in the 13th inning against the Colorado Rockies and the Padres lost 9-8. OK, it's not easy to pitch at Coors Field for anyone. But Hoffman also blew a save on Saturday at Milwaukee. Had he saved Saturday's game, there would NOT have been a one game playoff.
Sure, no one is perfect and Hoffman belongs in the Hall of Fame based upon his entire career. But, Hoffman has no World Series rings and Mariano has four World Series rings including the 1998 Classic against Hoffman and the Padres. Furthermore, when you need a save in the clutch, there is only one candidate for the best reliever of all time, the one and only Mariano Rivera. Go Yankees!
Posted by an emotional Tank in NY.