Corey Patterson's waiting, not wishing
Corey Patterson arrived in Syracuse with his Norfolk Tides late last night and that’s where he is this afternoon, amid the rumors that he’ll be getting called up to the Orioles.
I talked to Patterson around noon and he said he was unaware of Orioles manager Dave Trembley’s comments that the club is keeping tabs on Patterson’s success at Triple-A and that changes could come at the big-league level before Tuesday’s game.
“Me, personally, I haven’t heard anything yet,” said Patterson, who is batting .367 with four doubles, three steals and a .415 on-base percentage in 12 games with Norfolk. “I’m hoping to keep with my approach and keep working hard and, for me, that’s all you can do. I won’t believe anything until it happens.”
If you know the Orioles, you know Patterson’s story. He was a can’t-miss prospect with the Chicago Cubs (third pick overall in 1998 draft), but he never could reach the lofty expectations there. The Orioles gave up two minor leaguers for him in 2006 and he had two solid years with them, including 2006 when he hit 16 homers, batted .276 and had 45 steals. But he never could raise his on-base percentage high enough to be a leadoff or No. 2 hitter, and the Orioles didn’t re-sign him after 2007.
He bounced around with a few organizations, and after not making the Seattle Mariners this spring, went back home to Georgia, worked out and waited for the phone to ring.
He said he had a few offers to play Triple-A, but settled with the Orioles, because he knew the organization and some key members of the organization knew him.
“When they were talking to me they were very upfront,” Patterson said. “And I think all I was really looking for was an opportunity to show what I can do.”
Now, because outfielders Lou Montanez, Nolan Reimold and Adam Jones have struggled with the Orioles this season, he could get that opportunity soon. Maybe he’ll get that nod as soon as tonight or tomorrow, with Montanez – or possibly Reimold – being demoted.
But Patterson, one of the nicer guys in baseball, won’t think about that until it becomes official.
“It’s one thing for people to talk about it – and certainly that’s been positive, of course – but until it happens, I can’t think about it happening.”
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
Please send down Montanez. He's not the future and he absolutely does nothing. At least Reimold has upside.
Posted by: Rusty | May 10, 2010 3:54 PM
Get his rear up here. Dont look know but Billy the kid is starting to get it. So is Tripp [ the one we gave away. ] Henry Williamson [ the young reliever we gave [throw in] to the Cubs for Pie is doing well at AAA.
Posted by: Herb | May 10, 2010 4:05 PM
If you are going to "MOVE" anyone make it "THE SCHMUCK". sEND HIM TO dELmARV THAT IS ABOUT 3 STEPS HIGHER THEN HE DESERVES. Would anyone believe that he truely deserves a transfer to Chile.
Posted by: jjthomas | May 10, 2010 5:00 PM
The lineup is occupied by 9 batters. Five of which can not hit. That means that more batters can not hit than can. The odds will always be against them. They'd better try Patterson by the end of week and see what happens. Just keep Crowley away from him.
Posted by: dspedden | May 10, 2010 9:09 PM
dspedden has it right. The Crow is way over the hill. He was good but he isn't any more.
Posted by: bags | May 11, 2010 8:00 AM
Absolutely nothing to lose! Get him here!
Posted by: gordon schwartz | May 11, 2010 8:05 AM
@jjthomas: What in the heck is your post trying to say. Makes absolutely no sense. Did you have a few too many brews this morning? What a waste it time to even read your post. How silly of me!
Posted by: snevars | May 11, 2010 8:30 AM
I agree he should be up here. You saw how much a spark happened when they brought Hughes up they swept Boston. Maybe Patterson can provide another spark. Its pretty bad when our utility player is our biggest power hitter. Also any word of moving Rowel up to Double A.? He is finally hitting like he supposed to after spending over 2 and half years at Single A. Lets move him to Double A for he can learn to hit there for the next 2 years. Maybe in 5 years he will finally be the complete hitter.
Posted by: Justin | May 11, 2010 9:26 AM
I personally always liked Corey. And we could use his SBs now. I think BRob will be a shell of his former self on the basepaths if he returns. If you look at the O's offense, our BA is climbing, and our HRs are right on par with the rest of the league. Getting some more SBs might help get some more runs across the place.
Posted by: josh | May 11, 2010 9:33 AM
Patterson is a proven non factor at the ML level yet the Orioles are going to try another failed retread. How is he going to help this team score runs when his OBP is under 300 and strikes out a ton? He's like Luke Scott with more speed. Awesome!
Posted by: Mick | May 11, 2010 9:49 AM
Corey Patterson is not a major league ballplayer. Yes, it's been a rough start to the season, but certainly Reimold and possibly Montanez have potential as future quality ballplayers. I agree with Mick- no more failed retreads! Come on, Andy: prove you're smarter than Dusty Baker, at least!
Posted by: James | May 11, 2010 10:25 AM
When is Hughes gonna start hitting HR's? Imagine that, a 1st baseman who hits singles and doubles. Just what the O's need at that position. I think he has 'Atkins' disease!
Posted by: JonathanTuttle | May 11, 2010 10:36 AM
Wow, apparently the front office is asleep now. Its a no brainer to call up C-Patt & send down Montanez. We dont have a backup CF. Mabye something else is afoot?
Posted by: Cereal Blogger | May 11, 2010 10:57 AM
Montanez will never produce like Corey Patterson has at the major league level. He had two decent years for us and a couple for the Cubs too. He hasn't done much since he left here, but he is much better defensively than Montanez. Montanez isn't hitting and won't so even if Patterson doesn't hit, it's an improvement.
Posted by: terpfan | May 11, 2010 11:52 AM
Carey Patterson may be a nice guy, but does this team really need another recycled player whose batting average was .205 for his last full season.
Posted by: bob | May 11, 2010 11:57 AM
Send a message-
swap Patterson for Adam Jones.
Is there anybody else outfield wise to bring up so we can demote Montanez and or Reimold?
Posted by: jay | May 11, 2010 11:59 AM
Right about now, anybody how can hit at all has to be brought up immedicatley
Posted by: Miggy | May 11, 2010 2:34 PM
Here's the solution:
You need to send Reimold down for 10 days and bring up Corey.
Then you need to bring up Reimold and send down Jones for 10 days.
The challenge is to keep Corey away from the "Crow" for 20 straight days until Jones and Reimold have been de-programmed of all "Crow" instruction, and start hitting again.
Posted by: Dennis | May 11, 2010 2:51 PM
I say bring up Patterson. We need a leadoff hitter. Roberts is still leading the O's in SBs with 2.
Dan- What's the organization's thoughts on Michael Aubrey? I thought he showed some pop last season, hitting 7 doubles and 4 HRs in less than 100 ABs.
Suggested Line-Up:
1. Patterson, LF
2. Markakis, RF
3. Wieters, C
4. Tejada, SS
5. Wigginton, 2B
6. Riemold/ Scott, DH
7. Jones, CF
8. Hughes, 1B
9, Izturis, SS
Posted by: Bro | May 11, 2010 4:47 PM
LOL LOL LOL
Posted by: DominicZow | February 6, 2011 5:58 AM