Mariano Rivera says he prefers Dustin Pedroia to Robinson Cano

Retired New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera said he would take Boston’s Dustin Pedroia over former teammate Robinson Cano as his top second baseman.

That’s fine by Cano, who insists he respects Rivera as the best ever, no matter what.

“There is no doubt that he is a Hall of Fame-caliber talent,” Rivera said about Cano in his new book published Tuesday. “It’s just a question of whether he finds the drive that you need to get there.”

“I don’t think Robby burns to be the best. I think he’s content to enjoy the game and help his team and go home. You don’t see the red-hot passion in him that you see in most elite players,” Rivera said.

Cano has moved on with Seattle, determined not to let Rivera’s words in “The Closer: My Story” affect him or his new team.

“Everybody has a different opinion. That’s his opinion and I have to respect his opinion,” Cano said before Tuesday night’s game at Oakland. “I’m not going to go too far into this. That’s the only thing that I can say. My focus right now is this team. I’m here, we’re winning. I was over there already and now I’m here and now I’m focused on the team. I’m going to be excited for my teammates.”

Rays’ Cobb recovering

Injured Tampa Bay pitcher Alex Cobb could rejoin the depleted Rays rotation late this month.

Cobb went on the 15-day disabled list April 13 because of a strained muscle on his left side. He threw off a bullpen mound before Tuesday night’s game against Baltimore and will throw a batting practice session in a few days.