Mirabelli, blending into the overflow of reporters outside Francona's office, prompted a follow-up query.
"Does Varitek have a home run?" the manager was asked. "Apparently Mr. Mirabelli does."
Correction: Make that three home runs in eight at-bats off Lilly. As if Mirabelli were starring in his self-written story, he went from all but lobbying Francona to stick him in Manny Ramirez's cleanup spot to putting the Red Sox on his back as he launched a pair of homers off Toronto's lefty starter to knock in three runs and spearhead a 4-2 victory over the faltering Jays before 16,163 at SkyDome.
"Unbelievable," Wakefield said. "He made the difference in our game tonight."
Basking in the moment, Mirabelli jokingly parted a sea of reporters stationed at his locker afterward by saying, "Big man coming through," as a few of his teammates applauded.
"Does it surprise you?" Mirabelli responded to the first question about his big night. "It always seems like every time I get a hit it's a surprise."
That could end quickly if he maintains his current pace. After all, he has homered three times in nine at-bats this season while batting .556 (5 for 9). What is he, the Johnny Bench of backup catchers?
"I love my role, I really do," he said in all sincerity. "I love backing up Tek. I can relax for four days and then go give it all I have for one day."
Unlike Hall of Famer Steve Carlton, who insisted Tim McCarver serve as his personal catcher, Wakefield has never demanded he pitch only to Mirabelli. But maybe it's time he started. After all, Wakefield has gone 20-9 with a 3.61 ERA since Mirabelli became his exclusive catcher July 23, 2002. And Mirabelli is headed for free agency after the season.
"I can appreciate it," Wakefield said of Mirabelli trying to make the most of his role. "I know the amount of work he puts into his hitting. It's tough to hit and be consistent when you're only playing once every five days, but he's done a great job. Three homers already, that's pretty awesome. Not to mention his catching ability, too."
