Carrie Muskat answers a fan question regarding Corey in this weeks
mailbag at cubs.com.

"I'm concerned about Corey Patterson leading off because he is a home
run hitter and we need a man on base in the first inning of the game."
-- Philena P., Bessemer, Ala.

CM: "Patterson's critics seem to forget how he handled the leadoff
role last August when he batted .336 and hit eight homers with 18
RBIs. He spent time this offseason talking to Brett Butler about the
philosophy of being a leadoff hitter, and came to Spring Training
early to work with hitting coach Gene Clines. If Patterson doesn't
make it, it won't be for lack of trying.

Baker initiated the dialogue between Patterson and Butler. "He's not
Brett Butler but at the same time (Patterson) has more power and there
are things he can do that Brett couldn't do," Baker said."

***** My thoughts. How cool that Cory showed up early for Spring
Training. That says alot about his character, and his desire to
improve. Good for him.

-Nez