Our Inept Leadoff Man

Leading off and playing Center Field......

Corey Patterson

First thing that is wrong with this picture, he is still leading off. I don't care how fast he is, I don't care how projectable he is, and I certainly could give a care less that he is going to work with Vince Coleman in spring training on how to be a leadoff man. Vince had three things going for him. He could bunt, he was fast as hell, and he had good base stealing instincts. Ok, so he could teach Corey how to bunt. Anyone could teach Corey how to bunt-heck my grandma probably knows how to bunt and could teach him-however, Vince's other skills were either natural or gained from experience.

What Corey needs is a fricking pair of glasses. I don't see very many leadoff hitters that strike out 155 times in a year, and have an on base percentage of .320. Well, I take that back. I don't see very many of those guys on Playoff Teams.

So if I see this, why doesn't the front office? The problem lies here: Corey hit .320/.387/.550 when he was moved to the leadoff spot. Dusty (Moron) Baker thought it was because he seeing better pitches, because he was hitting leadoff. That would be all good and dandy, if it were not for the fact that he went on a month and a half long slump afterwards while still hitting leadoff. Gee golly gosh, He had a fricking hot streak, it wasnt because he was hitting leadoff.

Dusty Baker after reading this *chew chew* *chew chew* "Nah.......that can't be it......."

Corey should hit 6th or 7th in this lineup. If he is still hitting leadoff on opening day, Cubs Fans will know once again it is "Wait 'Til Next Year!".

Tommorow - #2 hitter and second baseman Todd Walker