River Cats Manager Todd Steverson is one of those people who never forgets that baseball is a game, who can't seem to get enough of this stuff, and who couldn't see himself in any other profession except, perhaps, as the road manager for Prince.

In an informal, occasionally offbeat conversation the other afternoon, Steverson, 36, revealed a few of his other characteristics, such as the fact he can't carry a tune, that he abandoned violin lessons after six frustrating months, that he is obsessed with baseball fundamentals, and that he believes humor is a critical tool when managing young ballplayers.

"I think I'm funny," said the Cats first-year boss, with a grin, "but I'm better in the background."

Or maybe not. Steverson, who is in his fourth year with the A's organization, is enjoying a swift ascension. After two seasons with the Stockton Ports (Class A) and one with Midland RockHounds (Class AA), the Los Angeles native succeeded longtime Cats manager Tony Francesco and has Sacramento poised for another PCL Championship run. His two predecessors, it also should be noted, current A's Manager Bob Geren and first base coach DeFrancesco, were promoted to the big leagues after successful stays in West Sac.

Relaxed and chatty after the regular-season finale Monday at Raley Field, Steverson agreed to play a different kind of game. I provided the words and phrases, he swung away with the responses. "Let's go," he said, rubbing his hands together. "I'm a quick-hitter."

Billy Beane: Smart.

Sparky Anderson: Great manager.

Dustin Pedroia: Makes the most of what he's got.

Carlos Gonzalez: Tremendous potential.

Toughest pitcher you faced: Kevin Brown.

Favorite baseball player: Dave Winfield.

Favorite football player: Kellen Winslow.

Favorite basketball team: Clippers.

Favorite football team: San Diego Chargers.

Favorite subject in school: Drama. I never played Hamlet or anything like that, but I liked role playing. I enjoyed trying to change your personality, adapt to someone else.

Hillary Clinton: Could be vice president.

George Bush: (Laugh) Leaving office.

Barack Obama: Innovative.

John McCain: Um ... Arizona senator.

America's No. 1 issue: Health care.

Political affiliation: Democrat by thought but looking for the best person.

Manager you most admire: Bobby Cox.

Person you most admire: My mother and father. My Mom is a retired teacher and my Dad works with a program that helps teachers learn to teach. They're divorced, but we're close.

Biggest accomplishment: Being a father.

Biggest disappointment: Haven't had one yet. Wait ... it would have to be when the 49ers beat my Chargers in the Super Bowl in 1995. That hurt bad.

Normal daily routine: It varies. If we're at home, I get to the ballpark about 11 a.m. Get something to eat. Do my reports. Try to greet the guys when they come in. After the game, I spend another 30 minutes or so writing my report and getting to the A's. Then I eat, go home, and try to turn it all off. If I'm lucky, I can get four or five hours sleep. On a road trip, sometimes I get more sleep on the plane.

Other athletic talents: Got flipped onto a reef when I was surfing once, so I never tried that again. But I'm good on a boogie board.

Managing philosophy: Go with your gut feeling. Joe Sparks, who signed me, always said, "If you think it, do it," because if you don't, you'll kick yourself later. Gut and instinct first, statistics second. I manage by looking at elements, probably don't manage quite by the book.

Best professional attributes: Patience, tolerance. I tend to let my pitchers go a little long, sometimes too far. When I'm watching a guy and he gets in a jam, and we've got a full bullpen, sometimes I'm thinking down the road. We're here to develop these kids. What is he thinking? How is he going to react? I want to find out how he handles adversity.

Stickler for: Fundamentals.

Favorite album: "Purple Rain," by all means.

Favorite Prince song: "Adore."

Other interests: Music, music, music. If I wasn't doing this, I would have to be in the music industry. I'm an old R&B guy. I love jazz and the brass instruments.

Steverson, whose wife, Theresa, works for Morgan Stanley and remains in Phoenix with youngsters Jaryn and Joya during the season, glanced at the clock. His old team in Stockton was an hour away from the first pitch.

"I'm driving down there," he said, rising from his chair. "Some of the guys on the staff are friends. Just want to keep encouraging them. Hit the ball. Pitch well. Have fun and win games. That's what it's about."

Call The Bee's Ailene Voisin, (916) 321-1208