Save me the hot takes, Goose!

TAMPA − Goose Gossage is at it again, and this time he’s disparaging the greatest closer of all-time. In his annual get-off-my-front lawn address − this time to NJ.com − the Yankee legend turned special instructor felt insulted about being compared to Mariano Rivera, baseball’s all-time leader in saves (652) and adjusted ERA+ (205).

“I’m not taking anything away from what Mo did, but don’t compare me to him,” Gossage told NJ.com, and yes, he’s said similar things before. “It’s insulting. It really is.”

This is because Rivera − future Hall of Famer and era-defining reliever −pitched mostly an inning at a time while Gossage − current Hall of Famer and era-defining reliever − pitched multiple innings. “Do what I did and we’ll compare apples to apples,” Gossage replied following an expletive when asked about Mo being considered the best of all-time. “Or Sutter or Rollie Fingers, the guys that set the bar. I’ll tell you what, setup guys have a harder role today than closers today.”

Gossage has already earned his rightful place in Cooperstown −baseball’s ultimate honor. Isn’t that enough? Can’t the game evolve? And why go after Mo, who epitomized class during his career? What, exactly, does that accomplish?

Asked if he was OK with the relief award being named after Rivera, Gossage responded: “No. I wished I had pitched one inning. I might be still pitching at 65.

“I already had won the Firemen Award in 1975 and then (the White Sox) came to me in the offseason and said, ‘Hey, Goose, would you start? We need starters.’ I said, ‘Hey, I’ll do whatever you guys want me to do.’ I had 15 complete games. You know what? I don’t want this to be a negative thing, but if we don’t say anything nothing is ever going to happen. Not that even if I say anything (will change things).” Great. The Yankees keep inviting Goose back to Tampa, and he keeps taking shots. At what point do they say enough is enough?

Gossage warmed up Friday with Masahiro Tanaka, a really neat moment, two great pitchers from different eras playing catch.

More of that. And less hot takes about The Great Rivera, please.