MLB: Mariano Rivera not concerned about pitching at 40

TAMPA, Fla. — Mariano Rivera has no concerns about entering the final season of his contract at age 40.

The New York Yankees' closer doesn't know how many more years he wants to pitch but says, "I still think I can perform."

"Take it a year at a time and see what happens," Rivera said before the Yankees' first workout for pitchers and catchers on Thursday. "See how things go, how things develop and go from there."

Rivera went 3-3 with 44 saves in 66 games last season, helping the Yankees win their first World Series championship since 2000. He turned 40 on Nov. 29.

"How old do I feel? I feel 40," a smiling Rivera said. "I think that age will not be a factor unless you put in your mind. 'Oh, I'm 40. I feel strong. I'm ready to go. I want to play the game I love to play."

Rivera, captain Derek Jeter and manager Joe Girardi all are entering the final seasons of their contracts. Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner said the team will address new deals with the trio after the season.

"I definitely want to pitch. It's another thing if they want me here," Rivera said. "I have a contract this year. That's all I need to know. The rest is not in my control. That's why I don't have to worry about it."

Girardi said Rivera will have his normal spring training this year, which includes pitching eight or nine innings.

"It's one thing to pitch a long time, but to pitch at the level that he's done is truly amazing," Girardi said. "People talk, how much longer do you think he can do it? I don't think any of us really know. When you're the type of player Mo is, and I don't want to speak for him, he has his opinion on the way that he should do it and who are we to question it."

Rivera played catch on Thursday.

"Bodywise everything is good," Rivera said. "I'll be ready for the season."

"I love to do this," he said. "Knowing that I can do it, I will do it. I won't do it when I can't do it anymore. One day that will happen, and that day I will go. It happens in life. People come and people go. Your body will tell you."

NOTES: Girardi said LHP CC Sabathia will probably start the spring training opener on March 3 against Pittsburgh. Sabathia, the expected opening day starter, will throw off a bullpen mound Saturday. ... The list of Yankees' spring training instructors includes Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson, Goose Gossage, Ron Guidry, Mickey Rivers, Tino Martinez, Graig Nettles and Billy Connors. ... The Yankees are looking for C Jorge Posada to start 100 to 120 games this season.