"It is set up now, perhaps anyway, to be another grand Yankee moment in the Bronx. And indeed, in a season in which Derek Jeter enjoyed such a magical day at the Stadium in reaching 3,000 hits, it would be only fitting if Mariano Rivera gets his crowning achievement at home as well.

The mere mention of it, moments after he locked down save No. 601 here Saturday to tie Trevor Hoffman's all-time record, brought an unmistakable sparkle to Rivera's eyes.

"I would love to set it at home," he said, "but I don't think like that. I have no say about it until I get the opportunity to pitch.""