So Jay Bruce is going back to Louisville. To be honest, it didn't come as a surprise to many of us as we all saw this coming with the Patterson signing. But I am here to remind us all that the Patterson signing stinks.
This is a Dusty Baker move and that contributes to the lack of success this franchise has had. I don't have a problem with the field manager showing interest in a player that may be available. Case in point; Jerry Narron pointed Josh Hamilton out to Krivsky. But Krivsky has to be smart enough to only go after the guy if it makes sense for the team.
Corey Patterson makes no sense for this team.
What was the plan? First, we had Josh Hamilton. We were all considering the thought of trading him as part of a package of young talent in return for a stud pitcher like Bedard. But Krivsky found a good fit with Volquez. Good move.
Now after Hamilton was gone, he should have named Bruce the opening day centerfielder right there. But Krivsky doesn't ever hand jobs to players. He wants them to earn it. I can't complain too much about that decision.
But now what do you do when they earn the spot? Jay Bruce was our best hitter this spring until he got hurt. All things considered, he didn't have a bad spring at all. Yet, he still sent him packing.
Now we are at option number three. And I think this was option number one the day Baker came in.
Jay Bruce is a Bat because Dusty Baker is the manager and Krivsky is extremely indecisive with the direction of this team.
Patterson should have never been signed. The only thing that makes me feel a bit better about this is that we may have Bruce for another year before he hits free agency (all depends on how long they can put up with Patterson's sub .300 OBP)
I think Krivsky is looking for the next Brandon Phillips in Patterson. Yet he failed to understand that he already has a guy that is primed to help Phillips in the lineup now. I like looking to catch lightning in the bottle, but not when it is in place of a guy who is the best prospect in baseball.
Summary:
Hamilton (5 tools) to Bruce (5 tools) and now Patterson (glove)/Hopper (contact)/Freel(hustle).