"Like I told both of them, they're both going to have ample opportunity to win the job outright, but, obviously as we stand here today, that's going to have to play itself out during the season, " Porter said.

WSJ: Wells drives in run in debut, Yanks and Astros tie

Years later, as they were entering the winter of their lives, I sought both of them to speak about what it was like to be working, with the clock ticking, against such a disease.

CNN: Commentary: Heroes in lab coats