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Mariano Rivera says he can still get hitters out, so here are 5 players we'd love to see him face

5 players we'd like to see Mariano Rivera face

Mariano Rivera retired in 2013. He's the all-time leader in games finished (952), saves (652) and ERA+ (205). He finished his final season in top form (at the age of 43!) with 44 saves and a 2.11 ERA. He was as dominant as dominant gets. 

And on Wednesday, the former closer arrived at Yankees camp thinking he could still hang with the big boys:

We also believe you, Mo. We really do. And here are five NL/AL hitters you've never pitched against that we'd love to see you face.

Jose Abreu

The AL Rookie of the Year winner came into the league a season after Rivera called it quits. And while Rivera usually had the control to sit down even the most fearsome masher, there's no telling what Abreu could've done to one of those cutters slicing over the right side of the plate.

Abreu.gif 

I mean, it's possible ...

Bryce, beach ball
 

Jose Altuve 

Altuve, who led the league in hits (225) and batting average (.341) last season, would also presumably have a number of at-bats against Mo if he made a triumphant return to the Bronx. He's a tough guy to strike out -- tallying only 53 in 707 plate appearances in 2014. He can also turn almost any ball thrown at him into a hit, which would definitely give Rivera a real challenge:

Altuve

Robinson Cano

They were teammates on the Yankees for years, but Cano joined the Mariners in 2014. How would the All-Star second baseman fare against Rivera? Would he strike out? Would he hit a home run? Would he call time and go out and give his old friend a hug?

CanoRivera

Giancarlo Stanton

Who wouldn't wanna see these guys face off against one another? Rivera never had the opportunity due to a limited number of interleague matchups between the Yankees and Marlins. Mo has some power. Giancarlo also has a little bit of power.

Stanton

Bryce Harper

When Rivera entered the league in 1995 at the age of 25, Bryce was just 3 years old. What if they faced each other then??!!

Did he like those inside, slurving pitches as much as he does now?

Harper.gif

Now it's your turn -- who would you like to see Mariano Rivera face today? Leave your choices in the comments below.

Read More: New York Yankees