You can't say it's a slump; he's just starting out a little slow, just like a lot of guys do. Things will change.

We're starting to put things together. Hopefully we'll continue to improve.

He sees things instantly, and I think he's starting to see the game slow, like all great players do. And he's a finisher and a playmaker, just one fantastic football player right now.

There's young guys on both the speed and technical sides who are really starting to roll.

There's no question he's been through some tough times lately. But everybody has a little [slump]. I don't know what to tell you. It doesn't matter if you start or relieve, you have to make a pitch. He surely didn't cost us the pennant tonight, I'll tell you that.

He's one of those guys I kept my eye on early in spring training. There was talk of sending him down, I stood up and said no, I think this guy might hit pretty good. I keep pushing for him and hopefully he continues to prove me right.