Rivera fucking sucks these days...actually these last 2 seasons. Getting old, champ. I think they should set Joba up as their new closer after Rivera leaves.
Indeed, it appears that Mo is about at the end of his rope. Maybe another year or two, but nothing past that. Very sad indeed, considering that he really is a lot more than just a great ball player. The Yankees themselves all say that he's the heart and soul of the team. He seems to make other players better just by being around them. I really think that when he leaves, it will be even harder than saying goodbye to Bernie Williams.
Joba may be an excellent option to be become the closer, but they seem intent on using him as a starter. There are apparently some other guys in the system that have closer-type stuff, but I couldn't tell you who any of them are at this point. I think if Pettitte comes back, we're looking at Wang, Pettitte, Hughes, Kennedy, Joba and Mussina to fill out the rotation next year. Obviously one of them has to be the odd man out, and I guess it could possibly be Joba going to the bullpen. But if they trade Mussina or Pettitte decides to hang it up, we'll definitely see Joba in the rotation.
It is also worth noting that I no longer recognize the existence of Carl Pavano.
EDIT: I just remembered some of the guys they've been talking about to eventually replace Mo. Humberto Sanchez is one, as well as Jose Veras. Ross Ohlendorf is supposed to be good, too.