Rivera gives Yanks a bullpen savior

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Already this postseason, the Twins, Rockies, Cardinals and Red Sox have seen their dependable closers blow saves while the Phillies, who have won four times, have watched their bullpen fail three times.

But the late innings haven’t been a problem for the Yankees and their closer, Mariano Rivera. With 36 postseason saves -- incuding one in Friday’s Game 1 ALCS win over the Angels -- Rivera is unmatched in postseason play, where he is 8-1 with a .076 ERA.

‘I think the Yankees have been very blessed to have Mo over this long run that he has had,’ said Yankee Manager Joe Girardi, who once caught Rivera in the postseason. ‘He has meant so much to this organization and to the success of this organization in the playoffs. You feel very comfortable when you put Mo in the game. And we’re not afraid to use him for four outs.’

His teammates feel equally as comfortable with Rivera on the mound.

‘He’s the best closer of all time,’ said first baseman Mark Teixeira, a former Angel who signed with the Yankees last winter. ‘I don’t think there’s a doubt. Especially in the postseason. He steps up his game. I hated facing him as an opponent and one of the reasons I came here is I wouldn’t have to face him anymore.’

-- Kevin Baxter