Collins is the perfect coach for our situation right now. He instills that play hard, run through the wall on every play mentality into players that are still being molded. That's the most important part of a winning team. Players that leave it out on the field everyday, learn to play the right way, and believe in their teammates and in their ability to win.

We're going to be a really good team a lot quicker than a lot of people thought.

The exchange was hilarious. One of the writers said, "Hey Terry, Kirk is some a ballplayer, huh?" Terry: "Yeah he's a baseball player."

Terry-baiting? Was it McCullough?

Honestly, among Backman, Collins and Melvin, Terry came out like Connie Mack for me...

i think the makeup of the team has a lot to do with it now. No primadonnas like Delgado and Pedro on this team.

Every guy answers the tough questions without hiding after a loss. There is accountability instilled by Collins and exemplified by David Wright.

the guys on this team, the character they have makes Collins job a whole lot easier.

Ugh, such an embarrassment.

I wanted Bobby V, and make no apologies about it. I'm a V fanboy.

After not knowing what hand the starter threw with during the Minnesota series, I think he might have lost his mojo.

I'm with Tej: Bobby V. And what's Youkilis's average right now? Not sure he has lost his mojo...

As for Collins - rewind back a week after the squaws series. Must be nice to turn on dime...if we're out of it by July (a possibility) there'll be those who begin calling for his head, calling for Wally or whomever.

A manic bunch, fer sherr...

I respect the fact that he was willing to pull Frank Francisco in a not-yet-blown save situation rather than let a game get away. And he was willing to pinch hit for Ike in a potential game-changing spot.

I'm sure those guys didn't appreciate it at the time and you have to wonder if they'll be man enough to accept accountability for the fact that he was acting in the best short-term interest of the team.

Sadly, there are professional athletes whose egos are such that they'll harbor resentment over moves like that.

This team that just swept the Marlins? That's the team I've wanted for years. And Terry is the perfect guy to manage it. Now I'm gonna sit back and watch it grow. It smells like 1984 right now.

What does Youk's average have to do with the fact that he handed in a lineup card thinking he was facing a lefty when there was a righty on the mound? Whether or not they won the game, that's just bad.