Rivera takes next step

Mariano Rivera took to the field this morning in Tampa, Fla. to throw a simulated inning. After previously just throwing live batting practice, this was Rivera's first such session. According to WFAN's Sweeny Murti, Rivera - well - looked like Rivera.

Mariano threw 18 pitches in a sim inning. Fielded a comebacker and a bunt, covered first, broke a bat. — Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) February 28, 2013

This represents the normal inning for Rivera, serving up his daily broken bat. This also represents the progress the future Hall of Famer is making. Rivera is on schedule to be the team's opening day closer, less than a year after tearing his ACL in Kansas City. If you ask anyone on the team, they say Rivera could be the Yanks best outfielder. He is that much of a freak athlete. Rivera has said he doesn't need more than his usual appearances at Spring Training to get ready. The Yankees are preparing to get him into some real games in the near future, after more of these simulated innings/games. If things continue to go like they are now, "Enter Sandman" will be blaring throughout Yankee Stadium when the Bombers open the season against the rival Boston Red Sox on April 1.