Since arriving in Pittsburgh, young outfielder Lastings Milledge has been focused and displayed renewed maturity. A former first-round pick, Milledge was cast off by both the Mets and Nationals. "I've been real focused," he said. "I'm just understanding what I need to do out here and the things I have to do to be successful. I'm really keeping my mind on that and staying focused on it." He enjoyed a bright 2009 season, hitting .291 with four home runs, 20 RBIs and six stolen bases in 220 at-bats down the stretch. "He realized that he needed to work," Pirates manager John Russell said. "That was the biggest thing. He taught himself as we helped teach him how to work. I think he's carried that through."