FROM JOEL SHERMAN

1. In researching this column about whether Joba Chamberlain should start or relieve, I realized something about Mariano Rivera: He not only has been the best reliever ever, he also is among the most durable. It means the Yankees have had his excellence a lot each season, and for a long time.

Rivera has totaled at least 60 appearances in 11 seasons. The record is 13 seasons by Mike Stanton. The only other relievers who have reached 60 in a season more often (12 times) are Roberto Hernandez, Lee Smith, Kent Tekulve and Mike Myers.

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