Mariano Rivera might retire after all

The all-time saves leader has always said he'd come back from his knee injury. But now, word is he might not.

Mariano Rivera To Announce Retirement Decision Mid-Season

Mariano Rivera is clearly a robot, which is how he stealthily avoids the same age-related jokes that Jamie Moyer is often the butt of. But even robots want to sit on a porch, sipping lemonade and enjoying retirement. Rivera has already said that he'll make a decision on his retirement this year, and he told the New York Post that he'll announce his decision by mid-season.

(Rivera) revealed to The Post yesterday he will announce his decision before midseason ...

Because he cares so much about the Yankees, his teammates, the game and the fans, Rivera said he wants to make sure he can properly say good-bye to the fans when the time comes. "It would be nice that you tell the fans, so every stadium you go to, the fans will be there to show their appreciation and you appreciate the fans,’’ he said.

And by "sipping lemonade", I mean "saving mortal souls", as Rivera says he'll credit a lot of his decision to religion. It sure sounds like a guy who'll walk away from the game, and we'll know mid-season.

Yankees Won't Lack For Closer Candidates When Time Comes

Mariano Rivera Makes Decision Regarding Retirement

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera will have his contract expire after the season. He says he's already decided whether or not he will then call it quits.