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Some notes on Corey:
Notes: Patterson extends hit streak
CHICAGO -- Corey Patterson's motto this year is, "Be prepared."
The Chicago Cubs center fielder has taken that approach to the plate, and it's paid off. He has a hit in every one of the nine games so far and is batting .310 (13-for-42) in that stretch. New hitting coach Gene Clines has helped Patterson in the process.
"I think it's just how I prepare myself and get ready for every game," Patterson said of his approach. "I think your preparation is a key, really. That's what I focus on is how I prepare for the game. Whatever happens, happens.
"I try not to base my success on how I do in the game," he said, "but make sure I focus and prepare myself well. If I do that, I know the results will show in the game."
Patterson played both games of Wednesday's doubleheader against San Diego. He led off in the opener and was inserted into the No. 3 spot in the second game, going 2-for-9. He hit his first home run in the opener.
"Any time you talk to a player who has a hitting streak, it's definitely pretty nice," Patterson said. "It's just a payoff from what they're working on with early work and their focus and concentration."
The longest season-opening streak for a Cubs player is Vance Law's 16-game streak, which started the 1988 season.
Fashion do's: Corey Patterson will be wearing a new accessory for the rest of the season. The Cubs center fielder has decided enough is enough as far as foul balls go and he's now wearing a shin guard on his right leg.
"It was my idea," Patterson said Friday. "Even last year, a couple times I [fouled a ball off my leg] in Spring Training. I got tired of it. I said, 'It's getting out of hand.' I'll wear it as a precautionary measure for the course of the year."
Patterson doesn't think the device will slow him down at all.
"You get used to it," he said.
"He didn't talk to me about it -- that ball talked to his shin," Baker said. "That's all the talking he needed to hear."
Patterson was not in the lineup Friday against Pittsburgh left-hander Oliver Perez, so his nine-game hitting streak is on hold.
"Dusty's real good at knowing when to give guys a day off," Patterson said. "I really don't think it's good to have players play every single game. You have to have some days off. You want to be there at the end feeling good and ready to go."
It's not just coincidence that Patterson has a hit in every game so far.
"That's a goal of mine -- every day, get that one," he said. "If they don't give me any pitches, take a walk or bunt to get on base. It comes down to swinging at balls in the zone and keeping your head down, you'll make contact."
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