It's Time

With the start of the season next week, we here at Korey Chat are so excited to see Korey finally get his due at the top of the batting order. This site has always been a big propopent of this phenom-on-the-rise. In 2004, he proved, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that he is ready to become a premier offensive producer in the Cubs lineup. 2005 will be the year the baseball world comes to recognize the talent that is Korey.

From the minute he took the field in 2004, with a home run in his first at bat coming off major knee surgery, Korey stepped up his game. He set career highs in homers, RBI, and steals. His batting average was the second best of his career. He carried the team in August. There is no reason that he can't build on this in 2005.

Dusty Baker is committed to batting him leadoff. We agree that this is the proper place for him to bat in the order. He compares quite favorably to Lou Brock (and look what he did)! The lack of taking pitches and refusal to walk (0 spring training walks in 2005) will not harm the rest of the team. The other batters are good enough without Korey giving them a chance to see the opposing pitcher’s full compliment of pitches.

All those naysayers out there who think 170 strikeouts are too many? That he's never had better stats than he had in single-A ball? Shaddap! This guy has the talent and the skills to go 40-40 this year. There's a reason he was drafted so high by the Cubs' brass. He's been "can't miss" from the day he put on a Lugnut uniform.

Here's looking forward to a great year from Korey Patterson in 2005.