Blocked Prospects: Eric Patterson

Time for a new series here at MLBTR called Blocked Prospects.  We’ll name some position players with Double A or better experience who seem to be buried on their current team’s depth chart.

One such player is Cubs second baseman/center fielder Eric Patterson, who turns 25 in April.  Patterson hit .297/.362/.455 in Triple A last year.  Baseball America applauds his speed and surprising power, but isn’t keen on his defense.  Patterson is able to draw a walk, something his brother Corey never figured out.  Patterson is behind Mark DeRosa, Mike Fontenot, Ronny Cedeno, Sam Fuld, and Felix Pie in the eyes of the Cubs; repeated tardiness last year didn’t help.

With a .268/.332/.422 projection from Baseball Prospectus, Patterson’s bat would be league average at second base or center field.  He could make sense as Brian Roberts’ replacement in Baltimore.  He could be useful in Minnesota, where center field and second base are unsettled.  Patterson could provide competition for Jose Lopez in Seattle.  The Giants need any kind of position-playing talent, though their outfield is more than full.  San Diego is somewhat feasible, especially since Kevin Towers and Jim Hendry often match up for deals.  What kind of future do you see for Eric Patterson?