What to do with Patterson if he keeps up?

by spudsmckenzie17 on Apr 9, 2008 10:57 PM EDT

The Reds have some interesting decisions to make come the allstar break. If Patterson continues to hit and field like he is and Bruce continues his success in the minors, which of the two will be a better option. My feeling is if Patterson is successful, Bruce will remain in the Minors until 2009 filling the shoes of Griffey.

If the Reds are in contention around the all-star break it could be rather interesting in Reds country. I think the Farm is rich enough to get us over the top, however with recent success of developing players is it worth it. So my question is who do you think will be traded if the Reds are in contention? Who do you think they will trade if they are not? And who would you like to see come to GABP if the opportunity arises?

Tweet Comment 17 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

It is too early to speculate wether Corey can keep it up. I'll check back in a a couple of weeks or so.

I love Chaos like Dusty loves VPness

by Madville on Apr 10, 2008 12:13 AM EDT reply actions

Try months.

by Geki on Apr 10, 2008 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Obviously

If Patterson plays well, he keeps starting. Given that Jay Bruce supposedly projects to be a player who will need to move to a corner spot eventually and Patterson has a reputation for defense, it doesn't seem like such a bad thing to hold on to Patterson if he turns out to be like Brandon Phillips, another prospect who didn't live up to his potential for several years before blossoming.

If Patterson plays well and the Reds aren't in contention, then maybe you consider shopping him around.

by LooseCannon on Apr 10, 2008 12:34 AM EDT reply actions

Obviously

If Patterson plays well and the Reds aren't in contention, then maybe you consider shopping him around.

by LooseCannon on Apr 10, 2008 12:34 AM EDT reply actions

Appropriate

Patterson leads the team in doubles so far.

In 8 games, Corey has 8 runs, 8 RBI, 4 doubles, 4 HR, 2 BB, and 2 Ks. Neat-o!

by ken on Apr 10, 2008 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions

He won't

Remember he got off to a good start with the O's last year but faded away...he also has too many health problems...

Norris Hopper's #1 fan!!!

by Zach K on Apr 10, 2008 6:59 AM EDT reply actions

Patterson

If Patterson continues to hit and field like he is

I'm going to go out on a limb and say his OPS is going to drop below 1.190 at some point

and Bruce continues his success in the minors

It's only 6 games, but Bruce hasn't hit very well so far this year.

Really, though, if there's any thought at all of keeping Patterson, it should be based on Stubbs' development, not Bruce's. If the Reds think Stubbs will be ready next year, they should move Patterson when they can (or, as I mentioned elsewhere, package him with AGon).

Often wrong, never uncertain.

by sidnancy on Apr 10, 2008 9:31 AM EDT reply actions

Bruce

He was 1 for his first 10, but he's gone 6 for 18 with a 2B, 3B, and HR in his last 4 games. I mean, since we're dealing with small samples already, it's okay if I make them smaller, right? :)

I agree that Bruce and Patterson aren't in each other's ways. Bruce will most likely replace one of the corner guys (if not both) next season. And whether he plays on the big league squad this year will probably have more to do with injuries on the Reds than anything else.

And it's definitely premature to start thinking about anything more than the next month with Patterson. Let's just be happy that he's hitting right now because it'd be pretty hard for anybody to keep up this pace over a long period of time.

WHY SHOULD I CHANGE IT? HE'S THE ONE WHO SUCKS!

by Slyde on Apr 10, 2008 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions

i agree 100%

i say keep patterson as CF and bring bruce up when griffey or dunner leave.

"Never perfect but perfectly forgiven." -Petra

by shortstopv2 on Apr 10, 2008 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Let's not go overboard

Bruce will most likely replace one of the corner guys (if not both) next season.

I know everyone's had a sip of the Jay Bruce Kool-Aid, but really. Even he can't play two positions at once.

Often wrong, never uncertain.

by sidnancy on Apr 10, 2008 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions

As usual, I disagree

Actually, I completely agree with you.

Drew Stubbs' development probably has a little more to do with Patterson's future with the Reds than Bruce's. The better Patterson plays, the more true that will be. Almost all the moves the Reds have made over the past 2 and half seasons (trading Kearns, moving Griffey to RF, locking up Freel, keeping NoHo, drafting Stubbs, signing Patterson) suggest to me that the Reds want a strong defensive centerfielder, offense be damned.

Going on Patterson's history, if he's playing well at the deadline and the Reds are out of contention, they ought to turn him around in a trade. But I can't see them doing that; they'll probably be more likely to trade Dunn.

I've got a plan and it's as hot as my pants...

by Man Mountain on Apr 10, 2008 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions

I think it is simple

If Patterson continues to play well stick with Patterson. If there is a drop off in his performance bring on Bruce. Bruce is only 21 so spending most or all of 2008 in Louisiville will not hurt his career. It just means he may only hit 875 homeruns instead of 900.

The Dusty Path to the World Series!*

*Note this is not an endorsment of Dusty Baker.

by justin007000 on Apr 10, 2008 11:07 AM EDT reply actions

I think

that you have to look at the entire outfield situation like Sid said. How are stubbs and dickerson developing? What are your longterm plans for dunn and griffey?

if the reds are in contention and everyone is healthy, i think you stay put unless the offer for someone is too good to pass on; staying in AAA for another year wont hurt Bruce and his arbitration clock stays off. if griffey, dunn or patterson do not figure into plans for next year and the reds are out of contention, ship them off for prospects and bring up bruce to play a corner spot and get some big-league ab's.

Worse lately: Being a Bengals fan or Being a Reds fan?

by jmgard6 on Apr 10, 2008 11:59 AM EDT reply actions

I think Dickerson has pretty much developed

he is a 4th outfielder, with Andrew Jones like defense, and Juan Castro like offense. If an injury occurs, or if the Reds didn't have Fropper he could be a good late innings defense switch to take the place of Dunn.

The Dusty Path to the World Series!*

*Note this is not an endorsment of Dusty Baker.

by justin007000 on Apr 10, 2008 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Hyperbole?

Dickerson's average line in the minors is .255/.359/.403. Last season between the Nooga and L'ville he put up .260/.361/.435, so he's hardly Catro-like.

And if he was defensively like Andruw Jones at age 25, he'd already be in the majors.

I've got a plan and it's as hot as my pants...

by Man Mountain on Apr 10, 2008 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions