Rivera Says Pettitte Is 'Going To Be Fine'

TAMPA - Few men who have ever gripped a baseball know more about saving games than Mariano Rivera.

Friday's topic was saving reputations.

The 38-year-old Yankees closer recently reached out to teammate Andy Pettitte, who has admitted to using human growth hormone (HGH) and gave a sworn affidavit to Congress alleging Roger Clemens confessed to him that he has used HGH.

"I called Andy to make sure he's OK," said Rivera, the 1999 World Series MVP who signed a $45 million, three-year deal in December. "Definitely, it's a distraction, but Andy's a strong guy. He didn't want to be in that situation, but he's going to be fine. We have to support him and be a teammate for him."

Rivera, who ranks third all-time with 443 career saves, said he was surprised to see Pettitte and Clemens singled out in the Mitchell Report, probing the extent of performance-enhancing drug use in Major League Baseball.

"It's hard to see your teammates in that situation," Rivera said. "All I hope is the best for them. Hopefully, it cleans up and moves on. I don't like to assume who's right and who's wrong."

Rivera said he has carefully steered clear of steroids and HGH during a distinguished 13-year career in the majors.

"Nobody has told me about it or introduced me to that stuff," he said. "It never crossed my mind to try those things ... because it's bad. I want to be the best example I can be. Andy admitted it. Now, the tough moment for him has passed. Move on, put it behind you and look forward."

While the Yankees are counting on Pettitte as a solid contributor to the starting staff, 22-year-old Joba Chamberlain is expected to open the 2008 season as Rivera's primary set-up man.

"He did a tremendous job for us last year," Rivera said of Chamberlain, who yielded a .145 batting average in 19 games last year after his Aug. 7 debut in the majors.

In playing for Joe Torre, Rivera developed a close relationship with the manager who led the Yankees to four World Series titles and six American League pennants before being dismissed last fall.

Rivera now takes orders from Joe Girardi, a former Yankees catcher who earned Manager of the Year honors with the Florida Marlins in 2006.

"I had 12 years with Mr. Torre and there's a friendship and a wisdom about the game that you miss," Rivera said. "He has a new team Dodgers and we have a new manager and I respect that."

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