According to MLBTR, the Reds have signed OF Corey Patterson to a minor-league deal. This is the type of signing where the GM can't really be too wrong. This is a low-risk/high-reward type of situation. If Patterson turns out to be a bust it is ok, because they are not giving up much. If he lives up to his potential, he could be a large asset to the team.
Patterson was the 3rd overall pick of the 1998 MLB draft. Obviously, he was once considered a high prospect. He played great in the minors and made his way to the bigs by the end of the 2000 season. For the first couple of years in the majors he was never really able to put it together, but he did manage to have a .840 OPS season in 2003. In 2003, he hurt his knee in his best season of his career and was only able to play in 83 games. Since then, his numbers have begun to decline which is strange since he will only be 28 years old this season. The most significant decline has been in power. If he can regain his 20+ homerun power to go with his 35+ stolen base speed, he can be an asset to any team.
In the Reds situation, having a player like this can be an valuable commodity with Jay Bruce waiting in the shadows. If Corey can return to his 2003 form, the Reds would have great options when Bruce is ready. They could take that as a opportunity to trade Corey while is value is high, move him to another outfield position(Griffey injury?), or keep him as a fourth outfielder. Coaches always enjoy having a bench player with his type of speed.
In all the Reds are putting themselves in a no-lose situation. If Patterson bombs there is no harm to the franchise, and if he plays well he gives them plenty of options.
2 comments:
In this case there is a lose - if Dusty Baker and company play Patterson and he struggles instead of playing Hopper / Bruce.
In The Great American Ballpark, anyone can be a 20+ homer guy.
Post a Comment