Former Red Corey Patterson Performing For Blue Jays

Corey Patterson had the star label attached to his name when he was the third overall pick by the Chicago Cubs in the 1998 draft.

Patterson has talent and plenty of it.  He has tremendous speed, a fine arm and can hit for occasional power.  For some reason, the 32-year old outfielder has not reach the potential expected of him.

The Cubs gave up on him.  He broke in with the Cubs on September 18, 2000, two years to the day after he signed with Chicago.  The Cubs traded him to Baltimore after the 2005 season.  The Orioles let him go to free agency after the 2007 season.

Patterson worked out at his home in Georgia and didn't many offers.  At the urging of Dusty Baker who managed Patterson with the Cubs, Wayne Krivsky signed him for the Reds, two weeks into spring training in 2008.

At the time Baker said,"I think the Cubs rushed him a little bit.  He had trouble figuring out whether he'd be a hitter or a slugger and caught in between."

Patterson played for the Cubs as a regular in 2002.  He was 23 at the time.  Patteson didn't have a great year but showed promise.  He hit .253 with 14 home runs and 54 RBI.  Patterson saw limited duty in 2003 but his average jumped to .293 with 13 home runs and 55 RBI in just 83 games. He went on the disabled list on July 7 with a torn meniscus in his left knee.

When he returned for the 2004 season his power numbers were up with 24 home runs, 33 doubles and six triples but his average dipped to .266.  In 2005 Patterson hit just .215 with 13 home runs.  The Cubs lost patience.

When he arrived in Cincinnati in 2008, Baker put him in the lineup to open the season.  Jay Bruce had a good spring but was not deemed ready.  Patterson had a good first week, hitting .323 with three home runs but went into a deep slump.  At the same time Bruce was lighting up Triple A.  Fans demanded a changed and ripped Baker for not making one.  Patterson ended the season with a .205 average and 10 home runs.  Bruce was recalled on May 27 and was red hot for two weeks, hitting .400 with three home runs.

Patterson's playing time dwindled and the Reds granted him free agency.

He wandered through Washington, Milwaukee and Baltimore.  Toronto signed Patterson this past December.

Patterson is appearing in his 61st game for the Blue Jays out of the 70 Toronto has played.  He is hitting in the second spot in the Jays batting order with a .279 average, five home runs and 29 RBI.

"He's given us more than we anticipated," Toronto manager John Farrell said.  "He gives us a number of skills in the two hole.  He has bunted for maybe seven or eight hits."

Toronto expected Travis Snider, who they picked in the first round of the 2006 draft to win a starting outfield spot.

"When it was determined that it wouldn't work, Corey was sitting there as a veteran major leaguer.  He has benefited from hitting in front of (Jose) Bautista (AL home run leader with 21).  Yunel Escobar has been on base a lot.  That gives him a big hole to shoot through.  His ability to bunt is a big tool for him."