New York Yankees: Should Mariano Rivera Announce Retirement Before the Season?

It seems, by all indications—from different news outlets and even Mariano Rivera himself—that 2012 could be the last season of the New York Yankees closer's illustrious career. But should he announce it before the start of the season?

"I don't know what will happen," Rivera said. "I have one year left. I might call it over. I will know more in spring training."

Jorge Posada sounded a little more certain during his retirement press conference just a few weeks ago.

"Mariano said this is it," Posada said. "He said he has one more year, but Derek said he's got like three more to go."

Rivera has battled some health issues during this offseason, and despite a clean bill of health after having polyps removed from his throat, clearly the aging process hasn't been entirely easy at age 42.

However you slice it, the chances are very good that 2012 will be Rivera's last season and he deserves a 162-game parade (and hopefully longer) into retirement. His accomplishments and great attitude towards his life and the game of baseball itself should be honored for the entire final season of his career.

To some of Rivera's fans, this type of action isn't necessary and would be out of character for the greatest closer in MLB history. Rivera has always been pretty subdued, never putting himself over the team and always humble to the fullest extent. It wouldn't be like him to desire the kind of attention a season-long send-off would bring.

But it doesn't matter what Rivera wants or how he would act. It's what he deserves because of how much of a class act he's been during his time in baseball

There is no question that baseball-wise, his departure from the Bronx would be a sad and scary one at that. It will be a painful process of going through the season knowing the only certainty that's existed in the Yankees Universe the past decade and a half won't be around anymore.

It's easy not to appreciate what he's done because of how quiet he's done it. Rivera's impact will truly be felt once his replacement comes in and blows their first save next season. Knowing that time is coming and spending a full season thinking about it will truly make any unappreciative Yankee fan left finally appreciate him.

One hundred sixty-two games will never truly be enough time to understand the impact Rivera has had in Yankee history, but it's certainly a start.