"Sparky Anderson used to say that handling an aging star was the toughest part of managing a clubhouse.

Sometimes, though, that job isn't as difficult.

This is the case with Magglio Ordoñez, a longtime All-Star slugger who doesn't quite possess the bat speed he once had but who has handled the transition with nobility.

Ordoñez's equanimity isn't lost on his manager or his teammates.

Said Ramon Santiago, a sharp observer of clubhouse politics: "This is something very important (in a pennant race). Magglio has been a star player for a long time. He's pretty much used to having good years. But he still comes with a positive attitude. He doesn't try and transfer any negativity to nobody."

Santiago said that star players in their twilight can often hurt a team."