It’s the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium’s last All-Star Game. The American League is clinging to a one-run lead with the National League hitters due to bat. You’re Boston manager Terry Francona. Who’s pitching the ninth? Or, better question, who just pitched the eighth?

I’ll tell you who’s closing if I was the manager. Mo. Look, I’m a proud member of Red Sox Nation. I chant Yoouuuuuk when I’m home alone watching the game, I’ve learned the Jonathan Papelbon river dance, and I even own two (count ‘em- two!) Hideki Okajima t-shirts. But still, it’s clear to me who should be on the mound for the ninth: Mo.

When it comes to closers, Mariano Rivera is still the gold standard in ninth inning success. Unlike some of his peers (or former peers), Rivera doesn’t mess around with macho intimidation antics or a rockstar persona. Rivera lets his cutter do the talking, as he saws off left-handed batters. In his twelfth season as the Yanks’ closer, Rivera is as dominant as ever. In fact, ERA-wise, he’s on track to have his finest season ever.

So when Papelbon said that he should be Francona’s ninth inning choice for the Midsummer Classic, the media balked. The New York Daily News even ran the front-page headline, “Papelbum.” And as a Sox fan, even I saw the disrespect. Whether you love or hate the Yanks, you respect Rivera. You may be cheering for him to choke, but you appreciate what an unlikely scenario that has been in the past.

Today, Papelbon backed off his comments and gave his vote for Rivera to close the All-Star Game. In his third full season as a major leaguer, Papelbon has been stellar as Boston’s closer. But he’s still got another decade of brilliance and three more World Series rings to go before he’s earned the right to impede on Rivera’s territory.

There’s no doubt that Papelbon has earned his reputation as Boston’s own Wild Thing. But much deeper than that character is class and longevity. And Rivera’s got him beat on both accounts.

I’m glad Papelbon came to his senses and stepped aside. But it’s not like it was going to be a hard decision for Francona. Last All-Star Game in the Bronx and a Sox pitcher earning the last out? As much as it pains me to say it, fuhgedaboudit!