Leadoff man: The Cubs have flip-flopped Corey Patterson and Jerry Hairston in the top spots in the batting order this spring. On Thursday, Patterson batted leadoff followed by Hairston.

"I want to see the combination of the two," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said. "Jerry's probably a better hit-and-run man, and makes more contact than Corey. We're still experimenting for when we have to do something during the season."

With two out in the third inning against Oakland, Patterson singled and stole second during Hairston's at-bat. Hairston then singled and drove in Patterson.

"I just went," Patterson said about his stolen base. "If we were in that situation in a game, and I get on and Jerry sees some fastballs or whatever, I know I can steal some bases, so he should go ahead and swing. Don't wait on me. First and third, hit and run, we can do a lot of things which I think is good for this team."

Does Patterson have a preference where he bats?

"That's a personal question," he said. "If you're asking me, I'd like to be in the one spot. I've batted everywhere in the lineup. [Leading off] changes your mindset a little bit. You're used to a routine, doing certain things. That's what you want is consistency. That's what every player is looking for."