Ivan for me is the best catcher in the big leagues and there is no comparison with anybody. He has a lot of Gold Gloves and he is a winner. I'm very happy with what I have done, but I'm trying to imitate him because he's the best.

There is only one Mariano Rivera. There won't be another person who will come along and do what he did. No one does it like him. It was an honor to catch him and play alongside him for as long as I did. He made my job as a catcher so much easier. Mariano is a special person and obviously a special player.

Do they want an extra infielder/backup catcher who has never played in the big leagues? For them to choose me, it's a bold decision. So for me to win a job, I've got to do more than open eyes. It's got to be a no-doubter.

Win or lose Friday, he's shown that nothing really fazes him, ... That's why he's in the rotation. The way he conducts himself and goes about his business, it's good to see. We're confident in him.

The whole game was a grinder, we did a lot of things well. It doesn't mean anything if we don't go out there and play the way we're supposed to.

I didn't know I was close until Rick Cerone (public relations) told me in Tampa earlier this week. When I got the hit today I wanted to get the ball, but the fan wouldn't help me out.