Mo worries?

Rivera still has the stuff to close out games

Let's get something straight: Mariano Rivera is not a question mark for the New York Yankees. He may not be unhittable, as he was in the past, but he's still ultra cool in the clutch and still has plenty of the nasty stuff needed to get hitters out, if not dominate them. If you're looking for a reason why the Yankees are vulnerable -- and there are a few of them -- don't look to their closer.

Were the early and midseason reports of Mariano Rivera's demise premature? Does he have enough gas left to help the Yanks in the postseason? What about in 2004 and 2005? --Andrew, New York

I wouldn't worry about Rivera. He may have lost a smidgen of velocity and sometimes lacks confidence in that high fastball hitters chase, but his stuff is still plenty good. The real problem is the rest of the Yankees' bullpen, which this year has forced manager Joe Torre to bring Rivera into numerous games in which runners are on base. The slender right-hander has such good mechanics and doesn't throw a lot of pitches, so I do think he has at least two more All-Star quality years left.

I think you left two names off your list of AL MVP candidates: Jorge Posada and Shannon Stewart. Will either player get consideration? Posada has been among New York's most consistent players, and the Twins didn't turn things around until Stewart arrived. --Steve McMann, Roanoke, W. Va.

Yes, I've heard Posada mentioned as an MVP possibility and I think he's a good dark-horse candidate, though I don't think he has a shot at winning. (Yankees players don't fare too well in MVP voting.) Stewart has definitely been the sparkplug for Minnesota, but I don't see him in the top five to eight.

Do you think the Marlins can make it to the NLCS and, if so, what has contributed more to the team's success: the Stengelesque managing style of Jack McKeon or the All-Star vibe Ivan Rodriguez brought with him? --Tazzoz Merlidis, Tilburg, The Netherlands

The Marlins have defied a lot of expectations this year, and since the five-game series which opens the playoffs is such a roll of the dice, I wouldn't rule out Florida advancing to the NLCS. Give McKeon and Pudge equal credit --- and give even more props to the front office for pulling off two moves (adding the skipper and catcher) that came out of nowhere.

Your take on the Cardinals is pretty accurate. It's hard for a team to stay fired up when they know they have to score 10-15 runs per game to have a chance to win. Will La Russa be around next season if the Birds don't make the playoffs this year? --Mike Cartwright, Fort Smith, Ark.

I do think La Russa will be back -- and he should be. Remember, he did take this team to the postseason the previous three years.

What you think the Phillies need to add in the offseason? I feel like they're still missing something that could put them over the top. It seems to me an excellent starter who can lead the pitching staff is crucial. Maybe a new manager? What do you think? --John Frazier, Boulder, Colo.

Larry Bowa will be back, so don't look for a change there. The key is Kevin Millwood, who most people think will go elsewhere when he becomes a free agent in the offseason.

Who's the frontrunner to become general manager of the Reds? And do you think Cincinnati will keep Dave Milley as manager? --Robert Price, Clarksburg, W.Va.

Anybody who will work cheaply has a chance of being the Reds' GM, so you can forget about any big names. And yes, Miley has a chance to come back.

I've watched the Mariners very closely this year, and it seems to me that when they didn't get Aaron Boone -- or anyone else to fill the gaping hole at third base -- all the air went out of their season. (And then Jeff Nelson said what every fan was thinking about Seattle failing to make a deal, and he was traded, making everything even worse.) Do you agree? --Todd Grimson, Portland Ore.

Bingo. For years the Mariners have neglected to make the big in-season move to put the team over the top. Many players, not just Nelson, are frustrated about it. Lou Piniella was frustrated about it when he was there, too.

MAILBAG MAILBAG Tom Verducci will answer select questions from SI.com users in his Baseball Mailbag. Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question:

What team has benefited the most from its midseason trades? --Justin, Evanston, Ill.

The Twins getting Shannon Stewart was big. I still think Sidney Ponson will be a force for the Giants in the postseason. Overall, though, I think the Cubs got the most bang for their deals. I don't think they could have hung in the NL Central race without getting Kenny Lofton and Aramis Ramirez.

I can't believe you blame the city of Montreal for not caring about the Expos. Before the '94 strike, Montreal was crazy about their team. Do you really think fans in any other city would put up with what people in Montreal have put up with? When the team contends, the fans show up. Please reconsider your original opinion. --Miguel Bernal, Panama City, Panama

Where are all the people in Montreal who want to buy this team if they love it so much? I've never thought the city was crazy about the Expos, even in the good years.

Sports Illustrated senior writer Tom Verducci covers baseball for the magazine and is a regular contributor to SI.com.