Yankees' backup plan for Mariano Rivera is Francisco Cordero

Yankees' backup plan for Mariano Rivera is Francisco Cordero

BY ANTHONY McCARRON
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Sunday, November 18th 2007, 4:00 AM

While the Yankees wait on closer Mariano Rivera to formally accept their offer, they have taken steps toward addressing the rest of their bullpen, working toward bringing Luis Vizcaino back while identifying Francisco Cordero as their backup plan if talks with Rivera collapse.

About 10 days ago, the Yankees called Bean Stringfellow, the agent for both Vizcaino and Cordero, the 32-year-old righthander who saved 44games for the Brewers this year.

Stringfellow described the conversation as "general. We talked about Cordero and Vizcaino." Stringfellow said the Yankees asked about Cordero as a closer, not as a potential setup man, but the agent stressed that it was clear the Yankees wanted to re-sign Rivera.

The Yankees have a three-year, $45million deal on the table for Rivera, who had first balked because he wanted a fourth year added to the contract. Sources said Friday there were signs Rivera ultimately will accept the Yanks' proposal. Rivera was expected back from his trip to the Dominican Republic over the weekend, which means things could heat up quickly.

Vizcaino, the 33-year-old setup man who was 8-2 with a 4.30 ERA in 77games in his first year with the Yankees, wants to return to the Bronx.

"They're interested in bringing him back and he's interested in coming back," Stringfellow said. "We agreed to talk at a later date, perhaps this week. We've gotten numerous calls on Luis. He enjoyed his stay in New York."

They ought to forget Rivera. Cordero is better.

Rivera is old and washed up I think.

Yeah he is.

Once upon a time, he was the shit... that time has passed

Yep!

Now he's just... shit...

Overpaying is a Yankee tradition.....

I HATE Rivera

I HATE Joba!!

I HATE Mussina!!

I HATE Clemens!!

I HATE Hughes!!

I HATE Sanchez!!

I HATE Igawa!!

I HATE Farnsworth....unless he comes back to Detroit!!

I HATE Giambi!!

I HATE Cano!!

I EALLY HATE Captain Derek!!

I HATE ARod!! Now, anyways!!

I HATE Chopsui!!

I HATE Damon!!

I HATE Abreu!!

I HATE Melky!!

I HATE Nosesada!!

I HATE Duncan!!

I HATE anyone the Yankees are even THINKING about signing!!

I HATE Strangebrenner....ALL of 'em!!

Did I mention that I HATE Yankees??

I hate 'em all!