Does Mariano Rivera need surgery? That's the buzz in the New York Times after the closer returned to New York to undergo an MRI on his right shoulder.
There is some fear that Rivera could need arthroscopic surgery, although the procedure would be minor and would not be expected to affect him next spring.
"The only way that would happen is if tests indicate that should happen," General Manager Brian Cashman said of the surgery. "I can't say at this point."
Of course, you wouldn't know any of this if it Joe Girardi had his way. When meeting with reporters last night, Girardi steadfastly denied that Rivera had any specific pain, suggesting Rivera was returning to New York for a mere physical. Cashman's account completely contradicts Girardi's story, which apparently is becoming quite common these days. From Peter Abraham of the LoHud Yankees:
Girardi got contentious when asked about his misleading statements, slamming his fist down on his desk. It's similar to what happened earlier this season when Phil Hughes, Brian Bruney, Chien-Ming Wang, Jorge Posada and Damaso Marte got hurt. Girardi'a first inclination is to be misleading.
It has gotten to the point where team officials now apologize to reporters for the manager's actions. Nobody is sure why he does it because he gets caught every time.
Girardi had a reputation of being a straight-shooter (perhaps to a fault) before taking the Yankees job, but it's possible the glare of the Big Apple has taken its toll. He's not a rookie manager, but one year with the Marlins couldn't possibly have prepared him for the daily media onslaught he's gone through in New York. Here's to hoping Rivera checks out clean this weekend and Girardi starts coming clean going forward.
