My post is based on something I heard over the weekend concerning the likelihood that Yankees closer Mariano Riveria "may" be a Hall of Famer.  The slight doubt stems from the moronic view of current day "closers".  Many baseball purist do not hold the closer position in high esteem because these players are seen as specialists.  With this thought, many legendary closers like "Goose" Gossage have failed to enter the hallowed Hall.  What's the big deal?  A great player is a great player and until Major League Baseball makes a ruling that closers are exempt from induction, no one else should. 

The game has changed from long ago.  Not that many picthers hurl complete games and with the "juiced" era (both players and baseballs), smaller stadiums, and depleted talent from overexpansion a player that can shut another team down despite how many innings they pitch is a rare commodity.  In my book, great closers like Riveria are Hall of Fame no-brainers.

You get this same discussion in football.  Marginal players either played with a great team, took advantage of a particular system, or have to wait their turn.  

For my money, you're either a great or not.