David Robertson is ready to follow in Mariano Rivera’s footsteps on and off the field.
On a day Robertson helped make dreams come true for a Staten Island family devastated by Superstorm Sandy, he said he is ready for the challenge of being the Yankees closer.
“I think I’ve got the stuff to do it,’’ Robertson told the Post Saturday. “It’s just a matter of coming out there and doing it. It’s the same thing as throwing the eighth inning. You got to get three outs, but there is no one behind you.’’
General manager Brian Cashman said last month, “I’m not sure Robertson is capable yet. He’s never done that before. I think he’s earned the right to take a shot at it.’’
Robertson, who turns 29 in April, plans on making the most of that closing shot.
“That didn’t fire me up or anything,’’ Robertson said, referring to Cashman’s comments. “Nothing’s ever been handed to me. I’ve had to earn every position I’ve had with the Yankees. If it’s not given to me next year, I can still be an effective pitcher in the eighth inning and still help us win ballgames.’’
He made it clear, though, that with 339 appearances behind him, he wants his shot at closing.
“I definitely want the opportunity,” he said with a smile. “Everyone has to realize though that I’m not Mo, so I’m just going to be me. I felt like I learned as much as I could from Mo. I stuck to his side like glue last year. Hopefully some of it sunk in. Mo’s consistency is what sticks with me — on and off the field he’s the same guy.’’
Robertson and his wife Erin, through their foundation High Socks for Hope, in partnership with Bain Capital and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, helped deliver new furniture to the home of the Olton family, just one of many such stops Saturday.
As David and Erin made the presentation, Evelyn Valentine, the matriarch of the family, told the Post, “They put a family back together again. Now we have a Christmas.’’