Mariano Rivera Q&A: Legendary Closer Talks Yankees' World Series Chances

Q: It's funny that you bring that up, because I was just talking to Derek Jeter, your former longtime teammate not too long ago, and he said the same thing — pitching is key, especially in the postseason. That's the key to winning. Another thing he brought up as key for a Yankees World Series run are the moves they make at the trade deadline. When you look at the current roster, is there a certain area where they can upgrade?

Rivera: Again, I believe it's pitching. You cannot have enough pitching, and we can add another superstar. It has to be a superstar pitcher starter that can help them get over the hump. I think we will be OK. Because yes, everybody gets tired. It's about how healthy you can be, how strong you can be at the end. I mean in April, May, you're strong. But when it gets to July, August, September is when games start counting, and then playoffs start in October is when things really get hectic. 

I truly believe that the Yankees have the opportunity to go all the way with what they have. They're definitely going to need another starter at some point. They definitely want to stay strong in the infield. If we do that, we'll be OK.

Q: Aaron Judge, obviously at the top of his game, arguably the best batter in baseball. What are your overall thoughts on him? Do you have a relationship with him? Have you spoken to him over the years?

Rivera:  We don't have that type of relationship. But I know the man, he's a great boy. He came to the team when I was playing, when he came as a rookie, and he came to New York and seeing the way he works, he has everything. I mean a great guy, great guy. I mean respect and love and always wishing the best, because he's that type of player that you want on the team. A guy that doesn't make excuses is playing hard in everything that he has. When you have a player like that, it's hard not to like, because I mean it's nothing that he cannot do. The man is incredible. I wish him the best, and hopefully this year will be the year where we will be the last team standing, lifting the championship trophy.

Q: How do you think he's doing in the job as a captain? It's arguably the hardest captainship in baseball, something that Derek Jeter did for many years.

Rivera: Yeah, it's hard. It's hard, but I think that he's doing a great job. it's normally him. His teammates need to be around him to protect and to also help him, to lead. Because he's only one leader. It has to be many leaders that can push. When we were playing, there was a captain, yes, but we were there helping him. We were in the bullpen, and I was in the bullpen and Andy (Pettitte) with the rotation, (Jorge) Posada, I mean many others. But together we made the captain look great. That's what it takes, a group of guys to pull for the right motive, the right reason, and make the captain shine.

Q: I asked Derek the same question. Judge is a special type of player, 6-foot-7, big dude, hits for a great average. Who can you think of when thinking of a player comparison? Does he remind you of anybody?

Rivera: No man, he's in his own league. Dave Winfield, probably. But he's in his own league and that guy is amazing. It's a privilege and a pleasure to see a player like that to be playing right now.

Q: I know he's got a few years left. He's still in his prime. But whenever he does retire down the road, what do you think he's going to be remembered for? What's his best trait in your opinion?

Rivera: He always does the right thing for the game, respecting the game. I always appreciate players that respect the game, and he's one of them. You don't see the guy making excuses and all that stuff. And that's why the guy is special.

Q: I'll ask real quick about the Yankees and Brian Cashman. Cashman is still leading things over there with the Yankees. Do you talk to him a lot?

Rivera: We don't talk a lot, but he's doing whatever it takes to have a team to win. There's no doubt about that.

Q: What makes him so special? He's obviously one of the best the game has ever seen.

Rivera: He does whatever he thinks is correct for the team. He believes in the team. He believes in the chemistry they have, and he believes that the switches that he makes is probably the best. Every GM would know that and try to do that. But I see the man. I have seen the man over and over. Hopefully this year, everything clicks and will come up.

Q: You're the greatest closer, relief pitcher of all time. Who was the toughest batter you faced?

Rivera: Edgar Martinez. He killed me, bro. I couldn't get him out.

Q: Did he just know you better than anybody?

Rivera: It's simple. Some guys, it's just like some players, you get out easy. Other players, it's hard to get him out. And other players, you can't get him out, either. He was one of those guys; couldn't get him out.

Q: Did you guys ever talk about that over the years, and did he tease you or anything about that?

Rivera: No, we just mind our own business. I respect him. We came up in the league together, and I told him [Martinez is also in the Baseball Hall of Fame], "You're here because of me." (Laughs).