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Tom Verducci

March 27, 2000

Only two years ago Corey Patterson was playing ball for Harrison High in Kennesaw, Ga., which is why the cautious Cubs didn't intend to invite him to spring training this year—until manager Don Baylor requested it. Though he looks like a leadoff man—he's 5'10" with superior speed—the lefthanded hitting Patterson has the kind of power to be Chicago's No. 3 hitter for years to come. The only question is how long the Cubs can resist keeping him out of the big leagues, especially when the only centerfielder on their roster is journeyman Damon Buford. According to one member of the Chicago hierarchy, you can bet Patterson will be at Wrigley before his 21st birthday in August.