Wow - talk about bad timing. The kid's holding onto a major league career by a thread and he goes and does this. Ouch.

What do you suppose is behind Patton being replaced as a participant at Fanfest? Was this initiated by the player or the club?

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Jeff Z's reply: Patton had a family commitment.

just what we needed to lose another picther competing for a final spot. we need to secure a free agent fast, now maybe two if we werent before

I don't think we've 'lost another pitcher' unless for some reason Patton is being detained in a Dominican prison awaiting ballistics test results. He should be good to go for spring training, and I can't imagine this changes anything regarding his chances of making the big-league club.

Give the kid a break. Just as long as he's not PWI(pitching).

Sounds like the family commitment was a "keg party."

haha Nelson, like Ponson always did. I think he is still available as well.

Who cares besides Mr. Patton and the Houston police? I've known several reporters that have had DWI's and you don't read about it in the media.
It was a mistake and maybe could have been a serious one but who among us hasn't made a mistake and didn't get caught or learned from it?
What should be important to Oriole fans is how he pitches in ST.

I love the comments like "give the kid a break" and "Who cares"...

That's just ridiculous. He's lucky there wasn't someone on the other side of that curb.

I don't care if you are a reporter, a pitcher, a teacher, an accountant whatever... call a dang cab.

Yeah, it was a mistake and we all make them DrNic, you are right.
It doesn't mean it doesn't, or shouldn't, matter to us O's fans when a players does something like this.

DrNic,

I disagree with your characterization that it was " a mistake." A mistake is putting the wrong color socks on in the morning. The kid made a bad decision. I don't think he should be villified, but this type of incident is a character issue. I like Patton and if he can get his velocity back up to his pre labrum injury speed he could help the team. But let's tell it like it is. He was hammered and was driving.

Patton should start partying with Sergio Kindle. Two class acts.

Bad break for Troy. Hopefully he learns from this. I think that is all you can say.

And hopefully he makes the roster, he seems like a good young man.

Gil, So you never made a poor choice or mistake which ever term you care you use? Personally I would like to meet you as I've never met anyone who is perfect before. No matter what term you care to use, we are all human and have made poor choices (especially in our 20's) in our life's but it so easy to judge others to make ourselves feel better.

Gil and pjclark,

This shouldn't matter at all. People in many lines of work have lapses of poor judgment all the time. As long as it does not affect his work performance, let him pay the penalty, be thankful no one was injured, and move on.

It'll be a character issue if it happens again or he does something else stupid.

Not for nothing, but DWI is kind of a big deal. Someone could have been hurt as a direct result of Patton's poor judgement, and we as fans should not minimize its severity simply b/c he could help our bullpen. Many professions -- particularly those in the public eye like journalists, politicians, athletes, etc. -- can and should receive extra scrutiny when violating not just laws but a code of ethics. If guilty, I believe Patton should face additional disciplinary action from the team/league. Patton is still young and certainly deserves another chance, but he is an adult and should be prepared to face the consequences of his actions. Just ask anyone who has lost a friend or family member to a drunk driver.

I am sure he learned his lesson form this. Give him a chance he will be an asset to the team.
And by the way i am married to his Grandmother so i guess i am a little bise.