In a development that should greatly displease the Cubs center fielder (if not Tom Cruise), Chicago manager Dusty Baker yesterday proposed that Corey Patterson visit a sports psychologist. From the Chicago Sun-Times’ Mike Kiley.
Patterson (above) hasn’t been approached by the Cubs on the subject. Baker stressed that so far it’s nothing except talk as the Cubs seek a solution to Patterson’s seasonlong travails.
”Everybody is looking for answers and clues,” Baker said. ”I got to talk to him first. I can’t comment on that. I’m not opposed to anything like that. I’m open-minded to stuff like that.
”I was probably one of the first guys that took some relaxation courses in Venezuela in 1974. I even got hypnotized in ’78 because I was having trouble concentrating. I was having some problems off the field, and it was affecting my game.
”You have to be careful. That person has to be open to it, No. 1. No. 2, it doesn’t need to be a publicity stunt or like a guy is emotionally and mentally off or something. A lot of people aren’t as open about it.”
Former manager Don Baylor brought in Mack Newton to treat the Cubs’ minds and bodies. That experiment ended badly when some players chafed at Newton’s attempts to address their psychological needs in clubhouse lectures.
Considering what a mindgame it is to read an interview with Dusty, I can only imagine what a motivational speech is like. The Cubs beat the Astros today (Phil’s are one game behind in the wild card) and the Cubs are now two games under .500 with five games to go. Can they possibly take three of the five to go out a winner this season? I know Chuck Meehan and I hope so, but goddam, will the Cubs do even ONE thing right this season? Beats me.
Ben
Phillies fans appreciate Dustys decision to field his starters (except for Patterson) rather than shutting down for 2005. The Phils have to take care of biz this week, but we do hope the Cubbies can swing a split (or better) in the final 4-gamer in Houston and that Maddux gets his 15th win.