TUCSON, Ariz. — Rich Aurilia admits it. He can grouse with the best of them.

On a questionable strike call, he's known to argue. If his name isn't in the lineup, he's known to grumble.

But Aurilia entered camp with a minor league contract and a fresh perspective this spring. He plans to soak up the good stuff this season, make the most of limited opportunities and clap for his teammates on the days he sits.

It's a lesson that fellow veteran Dave Roberts taught to him. And when the Giants released Roberts earlier this month, the lesson really hit home.

"He helped me see it from a different perspective," Aurilia said. "Our baseball personalities are on opposite ends of the spectrum. He's a laid-back, rah-rah guy, always upbeat. Me, on the other hand, I'm a fiery, emotional player and I'm sarcastic at times. He taught me how to look at things differently than I had in the past, and for the better. You're still healthy and you still have an opportunity to play the game. So embrace it and be happy with it, whatever may come.

"I know I can still contribute on the field and in the dugout. I also know I'm not going to get 500 at-bats. And that's OK. When you accept your role, you'll do a better job in it."

Aurilia isn't guaranteed a roster spot, and the Giants contractually don't have to add him until April 2, five days before opening day. But Manager Bruce Bochy pushed for the club to sign Aurilia, and he talked Tuesday as if the veteran infielder will wear a Giants uniform for a 12th season.

With Travis Ishikawa continuing to hit left-handers this spring, including a single off Arizona's Dave Slaten on Tuesday, Bochy does not anticipate a platoon situation at first base. Rather, Bochy said he would let matchups guide him, resting Ishikawa and starting Aurilia against pitchers he has hit well in his career.

"If I give someone a day off and I go 4 for 5, I know I probably won't be in there the next day," Aurilia said. "I can deal with that."

During the winter, Roberts was under contract and knew he'd have a locker in Scottsdale. Aurilia didn't have a team until he signed Feb. 9. Now Aurilia is on the inside and Roberts is out.

"Even though it didn't end the way he wanted, he made a bigger impact here than your average fan would realize," Aurilia said of Roberts. "One of the best parts of my coming back here was the chance to play with him. He's just got a huge heart. We'll be friends for the rest of our lives."