cubs close to trading corey to the o's

[Bruce Miles]

Realistically, you can't keep Patterson. Let's look at this from a purely human standpoint. Patterson had a horrible year in 2005. The Cubs were unhappy with him. He was unhappy. The fans were unhappy.

The Cubs went out and traded for a replacement for Patterson, who was the starter for three straight years (with 2003 being cut short by injury).

Now you're going to tell him, in effect if not literally, "Listen kid, we don't think you're any good. We just traded for your replacement. We can't get much for you. How about a seat on the bench?"

That's a recipe for clubhouse disaster, and it won't be the media's fault because players will be lining up to weigh in on this situation (and that happens a lot more than you think, but the media take the hit for "stirring up" controversy).

Hindsight is a great thing, and there was no Patterson for Vlad, Vidro and Wilkerson deal, either, by the way. Corey looked like an emerging star in the first half of '03. It just didn't work out, and it's not going to work out with Patterson and the Cubs.

Edited January 6, 2006 by Bruce Miles

[Burtonbell]

Thanks Bruce, any insight to know who the O's might be giving up?

 

 

Anyone want an autographed offical Patterson jersey? LOL

[Bruce Miles]

Thanks Bruce, any insight to know who the O's might be giving up?

 

 

Anyone want an autographed offical Patterson jersey? LOL

 

No idea at this point, but it likely won't be a top prospect. And nothing is ever done with the Orioles until it's done.

[Coach C]

Thanks Bruce, any insight to know who the O's might be giving up?

 

 

Anyone want an autographed offical Patterson jersey? LOL

 

No idea at this point, but it likely won't be a top prospect. And nothing is ever done with the Orioles until it's done.

 

I guess I can understand that it won't be a top prospect, since Corey doesn't appear to have much of a trade value.

 

While we're still talking the word "trade", has there anything coming up on Todd Walker?

[Bruce Miles]

Thanks Bruce, any insight to know who the O's might be giving up?

 

 

Anyone want an autographed offical Patterson jersey? LOL

 

No idea at this point, but it likely won't be a top prospect. And nothing is ever done with the Orioles until it's done.

 

I guess I can understand that it won't be a top prospect, since Corey doesn't appear to have much of a trade value.

 

While we're still talking the word "trade", has there anything coming up on Todd Walker?

 

From what I've been told, the Cubs have seen more "action" on Patterson of late than they've seen on Walker.

[Coach C]

Thanks Bruce, any insight to know who the O's might be giving up?

 

 

Anyone want an autographed offical Patterson jersey? LOL

 

No idea at this point, but it likely won't be a top prospect. And nothing is ever done with the Orioles until it's done.

 

I guess I can understand that it won't be a top prospect, since Corey doesn't appear to have much of a trade value.

 

While we're still talking the word "trade", has there anything coming up on Todd Walker?

 

From what I've been told, the Cubs have seen more "action" on Patterson of late than they've seen on Walker.

 

I guess in a way that, for now, that it appears that Walker will be with the Cubs in 2006.

 

Much appreciated Bruce.

[Mizzou]

Thanks Bruce, any insight to know who the O's might be giving up?

 

 

Anyone want an autographed offical Patterson jersey? LOL

 

No idea at this point, but it likely won't be a top prospect. And nothing is ever done with the Orioles until it's done.

 

I guess I can understand that it won't be a top prospect, since Corey doesn't appear to have much of a trade value.

 

While we're still talking the word "trade", has there anything coming up on Todd Walker?

 

From what I've been told, the Cubs have seen more "action" on Patterson of late than they've seen on Walker.

Why do you think that is? A lack of interest in Walker himself, or a lack of interest in second basemen? It boggles my mind why Walker apparently has zero value at this point.

[Bruce Miles]

Thanks Bruce, any insight to know who the O's might be giving up?

 

 

Anyone want an autographed offical Patterson jersey? LOL

 

No idea at this point, but it likely won't be a top prospect. And nothing is ever done with the Orioles until it's done.

 

I guess I can understand that it won't be a top prospect, since Corey doesn't appear to have much of a trade value.

 

While we're still talking the word "trade", has there anything coming up on Todd Walker?

 

From what I've been told, the Cubs have seen more "action" on Patterson of late than they've seen on Walker.

Why do you think that is? A lack of interest in Walker himself, or a lack of interest in second basemen? It boggles my mind why Walker apparently has zero value at this point.

 

I still would not assume Walker will be a Cub in 2006. I think he's gone before spring training. There's probably little interest in Walker himself for whatever reason. I've had nothing but good dealings with Walker, but maybe there's something to the concern about how many teams he's played for in X amount of years.

[mg420]

why would the cubs want to trade him anyway? walker & jhjr at 2b seems like the best option for 2006 imo. if the cubs dont like him because he speaks his mind maybe they should worry more about what goes on on the field instead of off the field. unless it's vidro (and who knows how healthy he is), whoever they trade him for would most likely cost more and be less productive.

[Bruce Miles]

why would the cubs want to trade him anyway? walker & jhjr at 2b seems like the best option for 2006 imo. if the cubs dont like him because he speaks his mind maybe they should worry more about what goes on on the field instead of off the field. unless it's vidro (and who knows how healthy he is), whoever they trade him for would most likely cost more and be less productive.

 

Actually, the "speaking his mind" part played a lesser part with the Cubs than it did with other teams as far as Walker is concerned. The Cubs, from the front office on down to some members of the pitching staff, do not like Walker's defense. And the Cubs do seem to be on a "defense" kick these days. None of us is privy to everything that goes on behind closed doors, so who knows what has gone on.

Myself? I'd keep Walker and start him. But that's just me.

[goonys evil twin]

Why do you think that is? A lack of interest in Walker himself, or a lack of interest in second basemen? It boggles my mind why Walker apparently has zero value at this point.

 

I still would not assume Walker will be a Cub in 2006. I think he's gone before spring training. There's probably little interest in Walker himself for whatever reason. I've had nothing but good dealings with Walker, but maybe there's something to the concern about how many teams he's played for in X amount of years.

 

I've been assuming Walker is gone, no matter what, before April. And I'm sure a lot of other teams are assuming that as well since the Cubs have been so obvious about their desire to get rid of Walker.

 

Todd is a good role player, but he's no difference maker. So there is no justification for a team to aggressively bid for him when they know Hendry is going to deal him, like they knew he would trade Sammy, Farns, Corey etc. A team's greatest bargaining chip is the ability to walk away from the table and just keep their own guys. The Cubs have made it quite clear that they won't be keeping Walker, not after Hendry said they were happy with their 3 middle infielders, Cedeno, Perez and Hairston, anad barely mentioned Walker as an afterthought.

Edited January 6, 2006 by goony's evil twin

[goonys evil twin]

why would the cubs want to trade him anyway? walker & jhjr at 2b seems like the best option for 2006 imo. if the cubs dont like him because he speaks his mind maybe they should worry more about what goes on on the field instead of off the field. unless it's vidro (and who knows how healthy he is), whoever they trade him for would most likely cost more and be less productive.

 

Actually, the "speaking his mind" part played a lesser part with the Cubs than it did with other teams as far as Walker is concerned. The Cubs, from the front office on down to some members of the pitching staff, do not like Walker's defense. And the Cubs do seem to be on a "defense" kick these days. None of us is privy to everything that goes on behind closed doors, so who knows what has gone on.

Myself? I'd keep Walker and start him. But that's just me.

 

Me too Bruce, me too.

 

Is there any chance, that unlike with Patterson, they would choose to keep Walker for the bench though? He'd be cheaper than what Patterson was, and does not come with the baggage of being the guy everybody hated. He's instantly become their best bench player.

[Cubzfan64]

Realistically, you can't keep Patterson. Let's look at this from a purely human standpoint. Patterson had a horrible year in 2005. The Cubs were unhappy with him. He was unhappy. The fans were unhappy.

The Cubs went out and traded for a replacement for Patterson, who was the starter for three straight years (with 2003 being cut short by injury).

Now you're going to tell him, in effect if not literally, "Listen kid, we don't think you're any good. We just traded for your replacement. We can't get much for you. How about a seat on the bench?"

That's a recipe for clubhouse disaster, and it won't be the media's fault because players will be lining up to weigh in on this situation (and that happens a lot more than you think, but the media take the hit for "stirring up" controversy).

Hindsight is a great thing, and there was no Patterson for Vlad, Vidro and Wilkerson deal, either, by the way. Corey looked like an emerging star in the first half of '03. It just didn't work out, and it's not going to work out with Patterson and the Cubs.

 

Agreed - I know it's said often in sports, but in my opinion, this is truly one of those times where I'm afraid it's best for both the Cubs and Corey to part company. I wish him the best wherever he goes, but I hope he never comes back to haunt us.

 

I can't help wondering how last year's situation with Corey will affect his brother Eric who is in the Cubs system.

[cubfan]

Could trading Patterson for a prospect free up the money that the Cubs wanted to pull off the rumored Walker for C.Wilson trade that Hoops was talking about? Or was the money that they wanted wasn't becasue they needed it, just thought Wilson cost to much for his production?

[katway]

....

 

I can't help wondering how last year's situation with Corey will affect his brother Eric who is in the Cubs system.

 

I wondered this myself, but Eric seemed to do well last year even while his brother was faltering. Eric has the personality to handle the situation. While Corey is not very expressive, Eric is outgoing and known as a clubhouse leader. I actually think this ordel will make Eric stronger mentaly and I have little doubt that he will be the more successful pro among the Patterson brothers.

[CuseCubFan69]

....

 

I can't help wondering how last year's situation with Corey will affect his brother Eric who is in the Cubs system.

 

I wondered this myself, but Eric seemed to do well last year even while his brother was faltering. Eric has the personality to handle the situation. While Corey is not very expressive, Eric is outgoing and known as a clubhouse leader. I actually think this ordel will make Eric stronger mentaly and I have little doubt that he will be the more successful pro among the Patterson brothers.

 

I thought that Eric has commented about this before and he realizes that it's a business and these things happen.

[Cubzfan64]

....

 

I can't help wondering how last year's situation with Corey will affect his brother Eric who is in the Cubs system.

 

I wondered this myself, but Eric seemed to do well last year even while his brother was faltering. Eric has the personality to handle the situation. While Corey is not very expressive, Eric is outgoing and known as a clubhouse leader. I actually think this ordel will make Eric stronger mentaly and I have little doubt that he will be the more successful pro among the Patterson brothers.

 

I thought that Eric has commented about this before and he realizes that it's a business and these things happen.

 

I hope that's true - too many sports figures (in my opinion) do alot of complaining about mistreatment by management and lack of loyalty and respect (especially when arbitration cases and free agency come up), but as you stated above, baseball IS a business nowadays and the players do what's best for them while ownership does what's best for it.

 

That would be a mature way to look at it by Eric and hopefully there won't be any grudges held against the organization as he progresses throughout the system.

[gflore34]

....

 

I can't help wondering how last year's situation with Corey will affect his brother Eric who is in the Cubs system.

 

I wondered this myself, but Eric seemed to do well last year even while his brother was faltering. Eric has the personality to handle the situation. While Corey is not very expressive, Eric is outgoing and known as a clubhouse leader. I actually think this ordel will make Eric stronger mentaly and I have little doubt that he will be the more successful pro among the Patterson brothers.

 

I thought that Eric has commented about this before and he realizes that it's a business and these things happen.

 

I hope that's true - too many sports figures (in my opinion) do alot of complaining about mistreatment by management and lack of loyalty and respect (especially when arbitration cases and free agency come up), but as you stated above, baseball IS a business nowadays and the players do what's best for them while ownership does what's best for it.

 

That would be a mature way to look at it by Eric and hopefully there won't be any grudges held against the organization as he progresses throughout the system.

 

 

...and I hope he has some concept of the strike zone.

[Bruce Miles]

why would the cubs want to trade him anyway? walker & jhjr at 2b seems like the best option for 2006 imo. if the cubs dont like him because he speaks his mind maybe they should worry more about what goes on on the field instead of off the field. unless it's vidro (and who knows how healthy he is), whoever they trade him for would most likely cost more and be less productive.

 

Actually, the "speaking his mind" part played a lesser part with the Cubs than it did with other teams as far as Walker is concerned. The Cubs, from the front office on down to some members of the pitching staff, do not like Walker's defense. And the Cubs do seem to be on a "defense" kick these days. None of us is privy to everything that goes on behind closed doors, so who knows what has gone on.

Myself? I'd keep Walker and start him. But that's just me.

 

Me too Bruce, me too.

 

Is there any chance, that unlike with Patterson, they would choose to keep Walker for the bench though? He'd be cheaper than what Patterson was, and does not come with the baggage of being the guy everybody hated. He's instantly become their best bench player.

 

That's an interesting question. I doubt they'd do it, though.

 

As far as other questions go, Corey's situation will in no way affect his younger brother. He's got to do what he's got to do. I like both of these guys, and they couldn't be different from one another. Corey is quiet; Eric is outgoing.

The Cubs really have no interest in Craig Wilson, at least they haven't. They don't like his money and really don't need to "free up" any dough if they really wanted him. I know there's been talk of a "platoon" with Jacque Jones, but I don't see that happening with Jones getting $16 million. He might sit against a lefty against whom he's struggled, but that's about it.

Edited January 6, 2006 by Bruce Miles

[Chris]

....

 

I can't help wondering how last year's situation with Corey will affect his brother Eric who is in the Cubs system.

 

I wondered this myself, but Eric seemed to do well last year even while his brother was faltering. Eric has the personality to handle the situation. While Corey is not very expressive, Eric is outgoing and known as a clubhouse leader. I actually think this ordel will make Eric stronger mentaly and I have little doubt that he will be the more successful pro among the Patterson brothers.

 

I thought that Eric has commented about this before and he realizes that it's a business and these things happen.

 

From the NSBB Q & A with Eric Patterson:

 

NCCubbieFan (North Carolina): Eric,

 

Did the prospect of playing with your brother in Chicago influence your decision to sign with the Cubs rather than returning to Georgia Tech, or do you think you would have signed anyway?

 

I’d be lying if I said it didn’t play a part but it played a small part.

 

Baseball is a business and there is no way of knowing if we will ever play together anyway but it is a great organization and the possibility is very intriguing.

[abuck1220]

of course eric's going to give the 'business is business' line, but i think it's crazy to assume that what happened to corey doesn't at least cross eric's mind. i don't know if it's possible for eric to not harbor some ill feelings toward the cubs.

[UK1679666180]

I think expecting anything from the O's above a top 30 prospect is extremely optimistic. Any demand in CP is likely from a dramatic drop in value over the last two years rather is potential or his raw abilities. Compound that with him being in his later arby years expecting to make around 3mil and for the Cubs to get a higher prospect, they'll have to kick some money back. From a Cubs' standpoint, sending them money would make no sense in unloading him in the 1st place. Send them anywhere around 1mil and you're paying them what you could expect to play around a 1st-2nd rd. sandwich pick. If that's the case, I doubt the player they'd get would have the potential value/ceiling of someone who was just drafted very early in the draft. Edited January 6, 2006 by UK

[CardsFanInChiTown]

of course eric's going to give the 'business is business' line, but i think it's crazy to assume that what happened to corey doesn't at least cross eric's mind. i don't know if it's possible for eric to not harbor some ill feelings toward the cubs.

 

Did the Cubs organization really treat Corey that poorly? I don't think they did...

[Transmogrified Tiger]

of course eric's going to give the 'business is business' line, but i think it's crazy to assume that what happened to corey doesn't at least cross eric's mind. i don't know if it's possible for eric to not harbor some ill feelings toward the cubs.

 

Did the Cubs organization really treat Corey that poorly? I don't think they did...

 

Yeah, the only thing Corey can really claim mistreatment from is the fans.

[goonys evil twin]

of course eric's going to give the 'business is business' line, but i think it's crazy to assume that what happened to corey doesn't at least cross eric's mind. i don't know if it's possible for eric to not harbor some ill feelings toward the cubs.

 

Did the Cubs organization really treat Corey that poorly? I don't think they did...

 

Yeah, the only thing Corey can really claim mistreatment from is the fans.

 

I don't know if it qualifies as mistreatment, but he was grossly misused, and then scapegoated. He and Walker have been the Sammy and Farnsworth of 2005/2006. And in many ways, this all goes back to when Dusty inexplicably pulled him aside on the field for what looked like lesson time, after he won a game with a walkoff homer. Prior to that, he was still doing some things right.