I'm not saying that pressure doesn't have an effect, but he's producing almost exactly at his PECOTA projection, and that projection took last season into account - in fact, it weighted it more heavily than any other season. I think the fans would have been forgiving this year if he were in the 7 or 8 spot, where he should have been all along. And his speed would actually be useful at those spots in the order. Hendry sold Patterson when his value was at rock bottom. It would have been better to have held onto him even if he were going to be the fourth outfielder. And Hendry has a history of doing things like this. Juan Cruz was ranked higher than Carlos Zambrano and, at one time, Mark Prior, but Hendry held onto him too long and ended up getting Andy Pratt. All that to say goony's point is valid. Corey is actually producing at a level above what he is being paid, and Jacque/Juan are producing at a level below what they're being paid. And we gave up Ricky Nolasco, who would have been the Cubs 3rd best starting pitcher this year. The two pitchers directly above him in VORP rankings are Mark Buehrle and Javier Vazquez. And he's making league minimum. Awful, awful decisions in the offseason. spot on..... good post. Lets say you have a stock thats dogging....it has hit rock bottom and you are 99% sure it can't go any lower..do you sell that stock..or keep it for just a little bit longer...hoping to get more for it...most folks choose the latter.