A team does take on the personality of its manager, that is 100% true. When your manager has no personality, and seems like a guy going through the motions, then the team will mimic that. I'd love to see some fire from the guy in charge, but we have learned that isn't going to happen. Opponents pitchers throwing at our guys? No retaliation is the answer. Umps doing a horrible job, he might walk out and nod his head to the ump a few times, but that is the most we can expect. Say stupid mundane things in the post game interviews, check. The list goes on and on. I don't like the guy or anything about him. That being said, I am kind of opposite of you. I think there is a lot to be excited about for this team. How can watching a SS like Segura not fire you up? We have had such a black hole at that position for so long, and along comes this kid, who a lot of people prematurely (even on this very board) said wouldn't stick at the position. He has proven them all wrong. The guy can play SS at a high level, and probably better than anyone who we have had man that position for a decade or more. Segura alone gets me fired up for games. I love having a young guy like that to root for!! Gomez fires me up!!! I love his style, his playful attitude toward the game, and all that he brings to the table. When he is firing on all cylinders, great things happen. Sure, he does a lot of boneheaded things now and again, I doubt that will ever change, but the guy goes all out, every play, and I respect that a lot. Even when he swings so hard he knocks himself to the ground, I just chuckle. Now, if he was hitting .150 and striking out every other at bat, it would be a different story, but for now, he has slowly become one of my 2 favorite players on this team. (Segura being the other one) Watching the guy wearing Betancourt's uniform this year has been a blast!!!! I was a Yuni basher, and will probably be again someday soon, but what he has done the first month of the season is absolutely freaking amazing. If his play doesn't get you fired up, I don't know what will. The board whipping boy has literally won games for us to this point. Weeks has been a spirit crusher, and the way our so-called manager handles him is horrible. I can only think he will come around at some point. He has to. Right? Ramirez is back, that has to account for some good feelings too. Once he is full strength, at least we have our clean-up hitter established. If he comes close to what he did last year, that is exciting in itself. Aoki is a joy to watch, and exciting in his own little ways. Glad we took the chance on him. We have a bonafied lead-off hitter that allows us to hit guys like Hart and Weeks down in the order where their bats can be utilized for the value they bring. (Well, assuming Weeks pulls his head from his buttocks that is) Ryan Braun is Ryan Braun. I have to admit, he has been tainted a bit in my mind due to the PED scandal, but talk about an exciting player!!!!!! He is one of the top 5 offensive powers in the league, how can that not get you fired up? Once Hart gets back, our line-up is going to be a monster! THAT is exciting! I'm excited to see Peralta pitch every outing he takes the hill. If he fullfills his potential, I think we have a real gem on our hands. I'm tired of Gallardo, and the controversy he brought the team with his DUI didn't help his cause. High pitch counts and can't go deep into games just makes for an unexciting player to me. I don't like watching him pitch, but hopefully that all changes. I think there are several players on this team that get me pumped for games. There may not be the personality that we once had when Plush was doing his thing and Prince was here, but I enjoy this team a lot! My biggest complaint is management, but that is no secret, so I won't harp on him anymore in this post as it will just bring me and everyone else down...