Coop:
"Michael has shown really good strides this year. Last year, we had some concerns, but he's been very good this year. We've asked him to be the guy to set the tone. In the first few weeks of the season, we hit him second or down at the bottom, but there came a time when we had to move him. It came more out of necessity, because Kaz [Matsui] got a little beat up and we had to move him up, but since that time [Bourn's] taken off...
...The big key for Michael is when he gets on base he creates havoc and difficulties for the opposition. When he's on base we're a much better team. Let's face it, we are. He creates those situations where he steals a base or puts pressure on the defense and the pitcher. That makes them deal with the guys coming up behind him...
...His defense continues to shine, and he just keeps getting better. He's getting great jumps and breaks, and he's just a phenomenal defensive player."
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
