This is what should happen when you put a talented young hitter with immense potential into the daily lineup and let him do his thing.

“Right now I think he’s confident that he can be a part of this team that’s going to contribute,” Matheny said. “And he’s doing that. Having a little success helps a young player do that. We’ve given him confidence and told him exactly what we’re asking for him to do. Most of it is just going in there and be the kind of player he’s always been ... he’s always been a pretty confident player. He’s got a lot of faith in his ability.”

If Taveras has work-ethic issues, I'd like to hear about that from the manager, coach or a team leader. But understand something here: Taveras isn’t a cookie-cutter personality. He just wants to play, and hit. He's unusually confident for an inexperienced major-leaguer and believes he can be great.

And the game is fun to him. A boisterous Taveras clapped his hands while running to first base after his go-ahead single Sunday.

Uh-oh, time for some of the veterans to start whispering about Taveras again.

I mean, who does this kid think he is, displaying unrestrained emotion and getting excited after coming through for his team that needed to win a big series?