Mariano Rivera Ignores Retirement Talk, Focuses on 2010

Mariano Rivera has made 10 All-Star appearances and won five World Series titles with the Yankees, but despite all of his accomplishments at the age of 40, he's not ready to call it a career anytime soon. 

According to the New York Daily News, Rivera has ignored questions about retirement and is focusing strictly on this season, a contract-year for the Yankees' closer.

"I have a contract this year, that's all I need to know," Rivera told the Daily News. "The rest is out of my control, therefore I don't have to worry about it."

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has indicated that he has no intention of discussing contract extensions with Rivera, Derek Jeter or Joe Girardi before the end of the season, the New York Post reports. But Rivera has no worries about his contract situation for next year.

"I definitely want to pitch," Rivera said. "It's another thing if they want me here. I don't even want to get into that situation, because I have a job. That's my focus. Do a good job for the team and the rest will take care of itself."

Rivera has defied regression, posting an ERA under two in six of the last seven seasons. He realizes that age will catch up to him eventually, but he will continue to pitch until that happens.

"Definitely one day that will happen — and that day, I will go," Rivera said. "Baseball will not stop because I don't play any more. It happens in life; people come and people go. I know that will happen one day with me."