Mariano Rivera Tells New York Yankees He Will Return for 2013 Season

New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera has informed general manager Brian Cashman he plans on pitching next season, reports Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York. 

"He wants to play again," said Cashman. "I'll work with his agent, Fernando Cuza, on the details of a contract." 

This is uplifting news for the Yankees, as Rivera had considered retiring after his 2012 season ended in May with a torn ACL.

Though Rivera has decided to return, contract negotiations could take some time. The future Hall of Famer made $15 million last season, but the Yankees are trying to lower the team's payroll, making them less willing to hand out high-priced deals. He's also coming off major surgery, turning 43 years old in November, and appeared in just nine games last season, so the Yankees are unsure how he will pitch next season.

In his nine appearances, Mo was 1-1 with a 2.16 ERA and five saves.

New York's replacement closer, Rafael Soriano, recently opted out of his contract to look for a long-term deal on the free agent market. With Rivera deciding to come back, Soriano's tenure in pinstripes has most likely come to an end.

Dan Benton

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