Question and Answer with Eric Patterson- ANSWERS POSTED

[Chris]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/DJAXXFAN/ericpatterson.jpg

 

Eric Patterson, second baseman for the Peoria Chiefs, has graciously agreed to answer questions from posters on NSBB! If you would like to send a question or comment to Eric, please feel free to post it here. Questions will be received until Friday, July 15th at noon CT. Once the interview has been completed his responses will be posted in this thread.

 

This session will be coordinated as in accordance with The NSBB Q & A Guidelines

 

In addition, it would be in everyone's best interest if the mentions of Corey in any questions are limited. There are some acceptable questions, such as what it's like to be in the same organization and what it was like growing up, but hopefully we can emphasize Eric the ballplayer and not Eric, the younger brother of Corey. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

 

Thank you to Eric for taking the time to interact with us on such an up close and personal level! A special thank you also goes out to Nathan Baliva, Broadcast & Media Manager for the Peoria Chiefs, for setting up this interview! In addition, thank you to all of you for making NSBB such a wonderful community!

Edited August 9, 2005 by Chris

[chicubs]

1) Has Corey been giving you advice on handling yourself through the minors and eventually majors?

 

2) How would you describe your game?

[HerbalK]

Thanks for taking our questions, Eric. I was just wondering how your Dad feels about both yourself and Corey going pro in baseball. Did he try to steer you guys towards football at all? Thanks for your time. Here's to a great second half!

 

P.S. Let Corey know to keep his head up, he's still got lots of fans that want to see him succeed.

 

Jeremy

[TXCubsFan]

Eric,

 

Thanks for answering our questions. What areas of your game have you been working hardest to improve during your time in Peoria?

[Schwarber Fan]

Thanks for answering our questions Eric,

 

I was wondering if you were interested/played in any other sports in high school?

[Jon]

Eric,

 

Thanks for signing autographs during the rain delay on July 4th. As a promising player at GT, how has the transition from being a student-athlete to a professional athlete been for you? With more time dedicated to playing and training for baseball, have you noticed any differences with your on-field performance? How much more are mechanics and form both at the plate and in the field stressed by coaches in minor league ball compared to college?

 

Thanks and keep up the great work.

[Slugger_16]

Eric,

 

Thank you for taking time to answer our questions.

 

What, if any, has been the difference for you between batting leadoff in college and 2nd in pro ball? Also, has the transition from an aluminum to wooden bat been difficult at all for you, a player that utilizes speed more than power?

[NCCubFan]

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?

 

Thanks for answering our questions. We appreciate having participation from future Cubs.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Hi Eric. Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions.

 

What part of your game do you take the most pride in? Hitting, base running, or fielding?

 

Have you considered playing any other positions besides secondbase?

[goonys evil twin]

Conratulations on a great start to your pro career so far in the Midwest League. At this point of the season it looks like you have played well enough to earn a promotion to the next level, playing for the Daytona Cubs. Has anybody from the organization talked to you about plans for future moves up the ladder, or do you have any idea if/when you'll move up during the season?

[JC]

Eric,

Congratulations on starting your career with the Cubs. Many people around here have followed your early season with great enthusiasm.

 

How often do you and Corey speak? Do your new teammates try to keep track of what is going on with the big club by getting information out of you, or do they not really want to get distracted by following what is happening in Chicago?

 

Thanks for stopping by and good luck. Please also pass on to Corey that he still has a ton of support from many of us here.

Edited July 13, 2005 by JC

[rawaction]

Thanks Eric for answering our questions.

 

I've seen publications say that you project as just a ML utility player, yet you have always hit (back at GT) and lead the MWL in hitting. What do you see as your weaknesses as a hitter, and what is being done to make adjustments?

[MembersOnlyJacket]

Eric, thanks for taking time to answer our questions. I grew up in Cobb Co. and it's really amazing to see how many players from that area are currently in pro baseball. How much did playing baseball in the East Cobb area benefit you in your development ?

[TruffleShuffle]

Do the coaches stress anything specific about your approach at the plate? When you go up to bat in a normal situation with nobody on base, what are you thinking... work the count, make solid contact, drive the ball, etc?

[ctcf]

Hey Eric thanks for taking the Q&A

 

1.) Is it hard being so awesome all the time?

2.) To this point, what is the best moment of your career in sports?

[dalgreen]

Hi Eric. Thanks for your time.

 

We hear about the meal money and accommodations at the major league level. Can you tell us what the meal money/lodging are like at the class A level? Also, how do you feel about the city of Peoria, IL?

[stitchface]

Eric,

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions and congratulations on an outstanding start to your pro career. We look forward to seeing you in the majors!

 

There has been a lot of debate amongst analysts regarding the advantages of drafting high school or collegiate players. What benefits do you received from your time playing college ball as opposed to becoming a pro straight out of high school?

[rawaction]

Another question.

 

In your honest opinion, do you think you could play an adequate SS?

[Knyption]

Thanks for your time.

 

I hope Corey gets back on track and stays in the cubs org. How exciting would it be for you to bat leadoff with Corey in the 2 hole in the Majors? Have you set any personal goals as to when you would like to play for the big club?

[Kay]

It's awesome of you to be taking time to do this, Eric. Thanks.

 

What was your reaction to learn that you'd be starting your baseball career with the Chicago Cubs, & possibly someday down the road, with Corey?

 

What's your favorite baseball, or if you don't have one, nonbaseball movie?

 

Thanks again, & best of luck on your career!

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Eric,

 

What players did you grow up watching? Is there any particular player you have tried to model your game after?

[craig]

Questions relating to your draft experience last year:

 

1. How close did you come to going back to college? In your mind was it seriously in doubt whether you'd sign? Or did you pretty much know you would, but agent just figured holding out into the school year would ensure you'd get as much as possible in your deal?

 

2. Did Boras pretty much take care of the negotiations, and you left it up to the professional? Or did he keep you apprised about any contacts he and the Cubs had, and what was going on? Were the Cubs even allowed to talk to you directly, other than the initial call to congratulate you on being drafted? How much larger was the offer that you accepted in the end compared to what you could have gotten had you signed back in June?

[craig]

Congratulations on the tremendous season you're having thus far.

 

1. You had some leg injuries early on. Are those all 100% now? If not, do you think your stolen-base output recently is not quite as exceptional as it might be next year when you're 100%?

 

2. Are there some specific aspects of your game that you know you want to focus on improving, and that you know you'll need to improve to become a major leaguer?

 

3. You guys play pretty much every day, in contrast to college where you had time for practices every week. How would you compare the amount of instruction you get from the coaches in pro versus college? With more time for practice, is it actually a lot better in college? Or do the Peoria coaches have plenty of opportunity to discuss things and help you out with something that might need some work?

 

4. You played against a lot of high-level competition in college. How much difference does going to wood bat make? And how much more difficult is the pitching in low-A than it was in college?

 

Good luck! I hope your season continues to go well, that you stay healthy while in the minors, and that you have a lot of success in Chicago someday.

[Chris]

Quick reminder to everyone that this thread will be locked tomorrow (Friday) at noon. Thank you for your interest!

[Mizzou]

Eric, thanks for taking the time. Can't wait to see you in Chicago.

 

How often do you and the other players go out? Pardon my ignorance, but are you guys allowed to go to a bar and have some drinks after the game? Or is that against team policy? Thanks.