Lead-Off Down Patt

Of all the major off-season and early season storylines, the play of Corey Patterson in the lead-off spot is going under the radar.

Francisco Cordero and Goodyear, Arizona stole the off-season headlines. Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez are the talkers since opening day. But, what about the play of the Reds new center fielder?

The former 3rd overall pick in the 1998 MLB Draft isn't going to hit for a high average and isn't a prototypical lead-off hitter. But, he's off to a great start and while the Reds sluggers are slumping, Patterson is coming up big in big situations.

I picked out who I thought are MLB's best lead-off hitters to compare Patterson's (very) early season numbers...take a look:

Patterson's three home runs and 6 RBI are more than players like Jose Reyes, Hanley Ramirez, Brian Roberts, Ichiro, Alfonso Soriano, Grady Sizemore and Jimmy Rollins.

Patterson's 6 runs scored are also second best of that same group. Only Hanley Ramirez (7 runs) has scored more.

Sure, it's early, very early. But, Patterson could be a big part of Cincinnati's team. He says he's not a home run hitter and wants to hit more line drives. However, two game-tying home runs in the late innings just one week into the season is big time stuff.

- Joe D.