Rollie Fingers or Mariano Rivera ?

Question

NEW YORK (AP) -Mariano Rivera earned his 400th save, escaping two jams and getting six outs to preserve the New York Yankees' 6-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.
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Played For: Oakland A's (1968-1976), San Diego Padres (1977-1980), Milwaukee Brewers (1981-1982, 1984-1985)
Primary Team: Oakland Athletics


Post-Season: 1971 ALCS, 1972 ALCS, 1972 World Series, 1973 ALCS, 1973 World Series, 1974 ALCS, 1974 World Series, 1975 ALCS, 1981 ALDS
Awards: All-Star (7): 1973-1976, 1978, 1981-1982; MVP 1981; Cy Young 1981; Rolaids Relief Man Award (4): 1977-1978, 1980-1981; 1974 World Series MVP
Pitching

Bio
Rollie Fingers' 17-year career epitomized the emergence of the modern-day relief ace. After watching him post inconsistent results as a starter, the A's moved Fingers to the bullpen. He excelled quickly and frequently in his new role. Relying on a sharp slider, Fingers went on to notch 341 career saves. Known for his handlebar mustache, Fingers became a familiar site during the post-season, appearing in 16 World Series games. He won both the American League MVP and Cy Young Award with the Brewers in 1981.

Quote
"Before, he was a real power pitcher. Now, he's the type of pitcher who has command of all of his pitches. Another thing is the poise he has out there. He knows he's going to get them out. He gives me a lot of confidence when he's out there."
— Milwaukee Brewers Manager, Rene Lachemann -1984

Answer 1

IMO Fingers, though it is close. I did see both of them play, but did not see a whole lot of games of either of those teams. I don't know what the statistics will show though, and would not underestimate them because we all have opinions based on things like blown saves in game 7 of the World Series against the Diamondbacks or in game 4 against the Red Sox in 2004 - but the stats don't lie (and overall, are usually a better predictor of future performance than opinions). Rivera had saves in many key post-season games also like game 7 against the Red Sox in 2003 and was generally dominant then and in the regular season.

Seems to me that Fingers to a large extent defined the role of modern relief pitchers - though others at the time were excellent also, such as Hiller for the Tigers - better for a season or 2 (had 38 saves in 1973 & won 17 games as a reliever in 1974). There were always relief pitchers, but prior to his era there really was no such thing as a closer as we think of it and it was much more common for a starter to throw a complete game. You must consider how a person played in their era because athletes are becoming better all the time. The Royals last year could probably beat the 1927 Yankees - and it may not even be close.

Additional comment: Fingers was actually 3-4 during post-season, with a 2.35 ERA as opposed to Rivera's 8-1 with a 0.81 ERA. There are alot more stats to consider than that, but that tends to favor Rivera. He also had a better ERA and ratios of H/IP & BB/SO for the regular season - though would not generally pitch to as many batters as Fingers. I think I just changed my mind ;) - it is simply that when someone is so good you notice their mistakes much more.

Answer 2

rollie Fingers because the Yankees always pay for the best team! They have he biggest market and have the most money to get the best players either by Free agency or by purchasing and trade. The A's never have had this even to this day! They have always had to create and promote solely from a solid farm system and inject a few established stars that they can scrape together for less. After he left the A's, the Padres and then the Brewers were about the same make-up as the A's with no money. This makes Rollie's job a lot tougher and accomplishments that much more outstanding!

Answer 3

This is a good question. Fingers is in the Hall of Fame, and he was PE. (Pre Eckersley), which means he had to pitch 2-3 innings to get his saves. Rivera is the best, by far, of anyone who has pitched in the Post Eckersley era. The one thing about being a 1-2 out pitcher is that you have less margin for error, so that weighs in Marianos favor, but still alot has to be said for having to hold a lead for 2+ innings. So my vote would be for Rollie, but it would be razor close.

Answer 4

Mariano Rivera. Enter Sandman!

Answer 5

Rollie Fingers Right now But Mariona Rivera Still has A Long WAy To Go To Be Better Than Him

Answer 6

Rollie Fingers saved the big games. Rivera has been bombed several times by the Red Sox in big games. Even though Rivera has more movement on his ball with his cutter, Fingers was more consistent in getting the key outs against any team.

Answer 7

Rollie Fingers

Answer 8

Rivera---he's not done yet! But they're both great and both deserve to be in the Hall of Fame. Nice job on the 400th save Mariano.

Answer 9

rivera he is the best closer of this era and he gets the job done fingers sounds like he was a great pi6tcher of his time but really can you name me some power hitters that could hit 50 or more homers during that time period rivera go's aginst the game has to ever offered and geting them out. Plus rievera has more World Series rings.

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Answer 10

Ya know, Im a Met fan. and God KNOWS it kills me to Admit this, but Mariano Rivera is the best relief pitcher EVER! and how anyone with a straight face can argue that is assanine. two words... ONE PITCH!!! he has Dominated hitters for like 10 years with ONE PITCH!! The best pitch in baseball history, yes, but thats only because he has MADE it the best pitche ever in baseball history. The Haters can say anything they want, but three things are undeniable... His peers, passed and present (including Fingers, Eckersley,and Sutter) say he is the best ever....his numbers in Regular AND post season say he is best ever...and the Hitters he makes look like 10 year olds trying to hit a wiffle ball say he is best ever. The Qoute that Summarizes Rivera perfectly come from Bruce sutter who is being inducted into the HOF in the coming class... when asked if mariano rivera was best reliever ever, Bruce Sutter responded "One Pitch... When a hitter can step into the batters box and know not only what a pitcher is going to try to do to them to get them out, but also what pitch he is going to throw them, and where he is going to throw it, that is a HUGE advantage for a hitter. Well, I know what Rivera will throw...the Fans know what he is going to throw...and most importantly the HITTERS know what he is going to throw, that cut fastball in to Lefties and away from Righties, yet they still can't hit it.... That is Dominance...With One Pitch. He is best ive seen". Ive got billy Wagner Closing My games, and if the Yankees wanna Trade me Mariano Rivera for Wagner, Ill go into wagner's locker and pack his stuff RIGHT NOW!