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"It's a privilege to be called up from the minor-league system
in September in the middle of a pennant race."

Jim Hendry, September 2007

Note--The Cub General Manager justifies sending Eric Patterson
back to the minors for showing up late for a game.

Hendry says that Patterson is a talented player,
but his tardiness is not something that can be taken lightly.

The Other Side of the Coin

  • Another September call-up: Catcher Geovany Soto
  • Pacific Coast League Player of the Year for 2007
  • Soto fares much better than Eric Patterson
  • Bats .426 (20 for 47) in 16 September games
  • Hits safely in 10 of 11 games he starts and . . .
  • . . . throws out baserunners, plays good defense!
  • What more can you want?
  • Lesson: When you come up to the bigs . . . be prepared!
    • What Hendry did and what he said was exactly the right thing for everyone: team ownership,
    the front office, the manager, the players, other prospects, and especially THE FANS.
    The Fan's Viewpoint

  • How often are the Cubs in first place on September 1?
  • Just ask any Cub fan, and you'll get the answer!
  • Cub fans are on edge throughout September 2007!
  • They're on pins and needles! Jumpy! Nervous! Worried!
  • Don't think for a minute that they have any sympathy. . .
  • . . . for a rookie who won't even show up on time!
    • After effect

  • The Cubs moved quickly to discipline Patterson because . . .
  • . . . it wasn't the first time he'd been late!
  • The Cubs show Patterson they're serious about team rules . . .
  • . . . and they show other young players they mean business!
  • What did the ballplayer learn from his unexpected demotion?
  • Let's wait . . . then see if he modifies his behavior!
    • Hendry's statement set a nice tone for a satisfying month of Cub baseball
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