What Corey Patterson Learned From Dusty Baker
I can't believe we're reading this again.
"I think walks are overrated unless you can run. If you get a walk and put the pitcher in a stretch, that helps, but the guy who walks and can’t run, most of the time he’s clogging up the bases for somebody who can run." -- Dusty Baker, March 10, 2004
"I just play the game, and that's all you can do. The numbers will be there at the end. Some of the people that walk may get on base, but they can't steal and end up clogging the bases. Sure, you want to get on base, but there are a lot of different ways to look at it. The main thing is knowing yourself and knowing your strengths." -- Corey Patterson, February 22, 2006
(The latter quote was noted earlier by View From the Bleachers.)
Here's the thing: even if Patterson believes that silliness, it doesn't apply to him. He's not slow. He's fast. He won't be clogging up anything by being more patient at the plate and taking more walks.
I like Patterson. I'm still disappointed it came to this.
Still, for him, time remains. He came up so early, it seems like he's been in the majors for a long time. But Patterson won't turn 27 until August. He can change, and still become very good. Until then, the Cubs need to take all appropriate steps to keep his brother from taking the elder's advice.
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now that he is gone
Of course dancing on graves is a human tradition but a sports media type that I know told me after Patterson was traded that the coaches characterized him as the most stubborn player they have come in contact. He is not being truthful about the Baker comment.
Baker was saying that power hitters in the lineup (3-4-5) should not take walks in that they traditionally clog the bases and put more pressure on pitchers trying to drive the ball. Patterson was never a 3-4-5 hitter but believed he was.
He is caught trying to be a power hitter and not playing with his abilities. I predict that the Cubs will be a far better team this year without him on the field. Ironically Baltimore is the recipient of two of the most selfish Cub players in decades.