PATTERSON TO LEAD OFF


Cubs manager Dusty Baker said that outfielder Corey Patterson would
hit leadoff this season. ''As a team we don't have great speed, and
if I can get on base as the leadoff man, I can have a lot of stolen
bases and get in scoring position,'' Patterson told the Chicago Sun-
Times. ''That would be great.''

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Patterson logged 245 at-bats as the leadoff man in 2004, and he
hit .261 with 13 homers, 30 RBI, 36 runs, and 18 steals. The problem
is that he managed only 17 walks versus 73 strikeouts. Corey spent
some time with Brett Butler, a former outfielder for the Braves,
Indians, Giants, Dodgers, and Mets. Hopefully some of Butler's
patience and understanding of the leadoff spot rubbed off on
Patterson. If Corey can draw more walks this season, his runs should
increase significantly.