Corey Patterson Scouting Report!

[KingFish]

Feb 25, 2002 News: Chicago Cubs manager Don Baylor met with Corey Patterson this past week and told him that the starting center field job was his. "I don't go back on my word after I tell a player he's [won a job] unless he proves that he cannot do it," Baylor told the Chicago Tribune. Earlier this offseason, it was thought that Roosevelt Brown would get a chance to win the job.
Views: We all know that Patterson has all the raw skill to be a superstar. If he makes progress on his eye and waits for his pitch this spring his value will start to climb. (Fanball.com)

[bd811]

Funny, Baylor is already going back on his word. I like Roosevelt Brown ad everyhing, but once you tell CPat hes got the job, you cant make it an open competition again after a couple spring raining games. That could affect Patterson in a bad way.

[SS Billy]

I agree that Baylor shouldn't have told Patterson the job was his. I know he did it to give Patterson a chance to relax and concentrate on his game. Problem is, Patterson STILL hasn't proved he can handle major league pitching and even scouts are saying his bat speed isn't as good as advertised. R. Brown has destroyed minor league pitching and has allegedly raised his defense (which was the knock on him). So Brown should start but that leaves Baylor with egg on his face...
I hope Patterson comes along, he's still young. But to this point I think the Cubs marketing department has trumpeted Patterson more than he's deserved because he's a more marketable product.
Good looking kid with a friendly smile and likeable personality...I think that will be the most interesting competition of the spring...I'd like to see Brown given 200 at bats and show the Cubs what he's capable of doing.
:bigsquare

[bd811]

Originally posted by SS Billy
I agree that Baylor shouldn't have told Patterson the job was his. I know he did it to give Patterson a chance to relax and concentrate on his game. Problem is, Patterson STILL hasn't proved he can handle major league pitching and even scouts are saying his bat speed isn't as good as advertised. R. Brown has destroyed minor league pitching and has allegedly raised his defense (which was the knock on him). So Brown should start but that leaves Baylor with egg on his face...
I hope Patterson comes along, he's still young. But to this point I think the Cubs marketing department has trumpeted Patterson more than he's deserved because he's a more marketable product.
Good looking kid with a friendly smile and likeable personality...I think that will be the most interesting competition of the spring...I'd like to see Brown given 200 at bats and show the Cubs what he's capable of doing.
:bigsquare

Its a real tough call. Baylor screwed up. Has Brown won the job? Definately. Do I think he should get it? NO, Baylor promised Patterson the job and he cant go back on that after a few weeks of Spring Training. Brown will still get ABs, believe me. Cmon, we have him backing up Alou, he'll get plenty of time to prove himself.

[SS Billy]

Good point as far as backing up Alou. Brown will see some at bats. Certainly can't argue that Baylor promised Patterson. Alou may very well make it a moot point by getting hurt early on...But then again Baylor could let Patterson struggle for a couple weeks and then bring Brown in...I like both Patterson and Brown. I always hear that Patterson has the higher ceiling but Brown has shown more in both the minors and in his ABs in the bigs...To Browns credit, he's stayed quiet and let his performance do the talking...Seeing Alou in there with McGriff and Sammy makes the top of the order soooo much more appealing. Hope Alou can stay healthy!

[bd811]

Bron is 5 years older than Patterson, thats why they say patterson will be better, He has more potential. But Brown will be a good hitter. I dont think he will ever be an all star player but he'll be pretty good. I think tho if they think patterson is their future, they should start him. and plus his defense is still a lot better then rosies is, and we need that with alou and sosa in the corners. Brown has been real classy through it all, I agree