I hate to do too much of a diagnosis without talking to everyone. I think there are some pitching needs. There were some positive steps at the end with the bullpen getting settled. But defending your own turf is a big issue. Winning at home and doing better at home are important things.

You have to be good , you know? You have to have your manager feel that he needs to put you in the lineup every day. That's Hall-of-Fame good. And Miggy's that good.

I think there are many qualities. One, he's arguably the best defensive second baseman in the game. Two, he brings a great deal of energy to the field. And three, he's also a pretty good offensive player for the position.

It was a good exchange. It is important for any player of his stature to hear a fair assessment of where he stands and where the organization is heading.

The offense isn't really clicking yet. It's probably too early (to draw conclusions), but as we know, the two teams we played were really pretty good. We want to be in every game and that's been the case. The two lopsided games (a 12-5 victory at Colorado and a 7-0 victory at Milwaukee) were both in our favor.

He's a little unorthodox in his delivery, but obviously has a great arm. Valverde has the stuff.