Marty or Mo?

With spring training getting started for all MLB teams, the question was brought up to Mariano Rivera of how much longer he would be able to play.  Rivera gave an answer that seems to me like he might be playing his last year.  Martin Brodeur is facing a lot of the same questions from reporters as his numbers get less impressive, and his age increases.  Both guys are arguably the best to ever play at their respective positions.  So who is better at what they do, Marty or Mo?

Mariano Rivera holds the record for saves with 603 (17 seasons).  A 12 time all-star, and five time World Series Champion, Mo is regarded as one of the most dominant relief pitchers ever.  In his seven World Series, Rivera posted an ERA of 0.00 for the entire series four times.  Pitching over 1,000 innings, Mo has only given up 54 home runs in relief.  He also has won Rolaids Relief Man Award (best reliever) five times.

In Martin Brodeur's 19 year career, he has won the Stanley Cup three times.  He has made the playoffs an astounding 17 of his 19 years as a Devil.  He leads the NHL in wins, shutouts, and games played.  Brodeur is also the only goalie to win 40 times eight different seasons.  He won the Vezina Trophy (best goalie) four times.  While adding ten all star appearances.

This is such a tough argument because you could easily go with either guy.  Both great professionals, great teammates, and dominant athletes.  I'm going to have to go Martin Brodeur on this one.  This guy literally changed the game of hockey.  They had to change the rules with the lines made behind the net showing where goalies can handle the puck.  Before the rule change other teams were worried about changing because Marty would quickly skate to the corner of the ice and fire an accurate pass to an attacking teammate.  Although the closer role is not an easy position it's not a position that is relied on as much as goaltending.  You also can't find great goalies that easily and if you don't have one you don't have a good chance of winning anything.  Great closers come and go pretty often, obviously not with the longevity and consistency of Mariano Rivera, but they are around.  And you don't really need a great closer to contend year after year like you need a goalie in hockey. What do you think?