Rivera or Hoffman?

Question

I dont think it's close, I think Rivera is light years better and i hope he sticks around long enough to get the Saves record so the best Closer does has it.. but whatt do you think?

Hoffman having the all time saves record does not make him the best closer ever... by that logic, Lee Smith was the greatest relief pitcher ever, because he held that record for years. and im sure anyone with a clue about baseball knows that when you talk the top 10 relievers f all time, Lee Smith isnt in the conversation. He was a compiler, around a LONG time and got that record.. Hoffman is EONS better than SMith, but him having the record does not make him best closer lol. Ild take Rivera, Fingers, Gossage, Sutter, and Eckersley over Hoffman anyday.

Answer 1

Mariano is much better than Hoffman. Not to put Hoffman down, but Mariano is in a league of his own.

Hoffman has more saves, but it's easy to save 40 games a year in laid-back San Diego, where the Padres haven't always been in the pennant race. Rivera on the other hand pitches in pressure-filled New York, where every game counts, and a loss could have a major effect at the end of the season.

The post season shows, in a nutshell, why Rivera is at a different level than Hoffman. Rivera's post season ERA is 0.80. He's blown a few saves, but with all the chances he's had, he couldn't be successful in everyone, he's still human.

Hoffman's big chance came in 1998, when he was called on in the middle of the 8th inning to come in and get out Scott Brosius, who promptly took Hoffman deep for a three-run shot that put the Yankees up 3 games to none. When Hoffman's chance finally came, he choked. I remember the announcers saying that Bochy should have brought Hoffman in to start the inning instead of putting him in a pressure situation like that. Huh? Isn't that what relievers are supposed to do? Many of Rivera's saves have been more than one inning, and he's as tough as they come. Hoffman may retire as the career leader in saves, but many of them have been empty saves, that he earned pitching for mediocre teams where the saves have meant little, unlike Rivera. Mariano Rivera, best ever!!

Answer 2

I would have to say Rivera is better. The spotlight of the New York media is on Rivera constantly and he thrives in such difficult environment. Also, if the chance presents it self, Rivera will pitch two innings. Hoffman is a specialized closer who only works for 1 inning.

Answer 3

It really depends on how long each pitcher pitches. Rivera is about 70 off from Hoffman. I think Rivera will probibly get it, because Hoffman will retire before Rivera, so he will kno where he has to get to get the record, and once he gets it he can retire, so Im gonna bet Mariano will get there.

Answer 4

As a mets fan, I can only reluctantly admit that Rivera is by far the best. He has loads of postseason experience, while Hoffman, although he has been having a great career, is more of a statistic rather than a "clutch" performer or someone you can really depend on to finish the game. (see 2006 All-Star game).

Answer 5

Mariano Rivera. Hoffman is good but aging while Rivera is a superstar.

Answer 6

I'd take Hoffman over Rivera, but they are both two of the best closers of all time, couldn't go wrong with either one, but Hoffman's change up is just sick.

Answer 7

I cant stand the Yankees, but you have got to give credit where credit s deserved. Mariano Rivera is hans down the best closer ever. (or certainly the best I have seen thusfar in my lifetime)

Answer 8

rivera is the best closer eva becuz he is going to beat the record of most saves in history so i think rivera

Answer 9

I think Rivera will get the saves record.

Answer 10

You have to go with the man once called "Death in the Bullpen", Mariano lights out Rivera.