So, I was going to write a post on Jo-Jo Reyes breaking his non-winning streak, but its been covered a bazillion times already, so now I'm going to write about the second most valuable position player on the Toronto Blue Jays, Corey Patterson.
Most baseball fans have probably heard of the story of Corey "Bust" Patterson. Corey Patterson, the left fielder for the 2011 Toronto Blue Jays, was the Chicago Cub's third overall draft pick in the 1998 draft. Despite posting mediocre numbers in the higher levels, Patterson was rushed quickly through the minors, and, by spring of 2002, he was the regular centre fielder for the Chicago Cubs.
Since being called up, Patterson has only had one season (2003) where he batted significantly better than average, and even that season was shut down early due to injuries. His career batting line is as follows: .255/.294/.407. Other than above average power for a centre fielder, he has been a significantly below average hitter for the majority of his career.
If i had to pick one word to describe Patterson's career, it would be "wasted". He has above average power, speed, and can play a good centre field. He has all the tools to be a star, but the lack of polish in plate discipline, and his failures against left handed pitching, has turned him into a fourth outfielder. Because of that, he is referred to as
one of the biggests busts in the Major League draft history.
And now, he's the second most valuable hitter on a team that's a game above .500. What the hell's going on?