Generally speaking, I try to remain calm. There are few things that really get me riled up–human rights, civil rights, etc…and fans that have the gall to ask if Mariano Rivera can handle the pressure.

Look, I know we’re all on edge. I know the Yanks missed the chance to clinch on Monday and that we’re scared to death of a Game Seven given recent history.

That doesn’t give you license to lose all semblance of reality, however.

Has Mariano failed before? Yes. I don’t deny it.

The thing is, those failures are so rare, so abnormal, that they stand out because they are so deviant from the norm.

Just remember, over fifteen years, Mariano’s postseason ERA is still less than one. Regardless of what he may or may not do tonight, you don’t have a postseason ERA over a time period that long and that low if you can’t handle the pressure.

The Yankees have some issues. Pettitte on short rest, Canó not hitting at all, the possibility Joe Girardi might start Hairston again–all of these are legitimate concerns (though, as I’ve argued, starting Pettitte is still the right move).

Mariano Rivera is not one of them.