Ex-Yankees closer Rivera would take Pedroia over Cano

While Mariano Rivera was getting a street named after him on Monday in New York, he may also have been burning bridges. 

The New York Daily News published excerpts from his new autobiography, "The Closer," in which the former Yankee closer compares former teammate Robinson Cano and Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. 

“This guy has so much talent I don’t know where to start... There is no doubt that he is a Hall-of-Fame caliber (player)," Rivera said of Cano, who he played with for nine seasons." It’s just a question of whether he finds the drive you need to get there. I don’t think Robby burns to be the best... You don’t see that red-hot passion in him that you see in most elite players.”

That passion though, resides in Pedroia. 

“Nobody plays harder, gives more, wants to win more. He comes at you hard for twenty-seven outs. It’s a special thing to see.”

“If I have to win one game," Rivera later added. "I’d have a hard time taking anybody over Dustin Pedroia as my second baseman.”

The 31-year-old Cano signed a 10-year, $240-million deal in December with Seattle, eclipsing the eight-year, $110-million extension 30-year-old Pedroia signed to remain in Boston. 

Pedroia: 

4: All-Star appearances

3: Gold Gloves

2: World Series Champion

1: AL Most Valuable Player

1: AL Rookie of the Year

1: Silver Slugger

Cano:

5: All-Star appearances

5: Silver Slugger

2: World Series champion

2: Gold Gloves