03-17-2009, 10:25 PM
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Before it's all over, Corey Koskie could change minds of Cubs bosses about how their roster is structured.
If he continues to hit like he did Tuesday in his first real spring training game since 2006—double and walk in three plate appearances—manager Lou Piniella might be tempted to take him as a backup third and first baseman. That would mean one outfielder would lose a roster spot.
"Can our mind be changed? Yes," Piniella said. "We're going to take a good look at him in the next couple of weeks. It would be a nice [comeback] story if it materializes."
Koskie hasn't played in a big-league game since July of 2006 because of post-concussion syndrome.
"I feel as normal as anyone can for a Canadian playing major-league baseball," he said. "I feel good out there."
Of course, he is leaving the final roster decision to the brass, saying, "I just take care of my own thing. If they like me, they like me. If they don't, they don't. That stuff doesn't concern me."
Closer look: Right-hander reliever David Patton, a Rule 5 draft from the Rockies, is opening eyes in camp with one run and seven strikeouts in 62/3 innings. Patton never has appeared in a game above Class A and must make the final roster or be offered back.
"He has a chance to stay here," Piniella said. "I'm seeing where other teams' Rule 5 drafts are being returned now. We haven't even discussed it. That means we've been impressed with him. He's not intimidated."<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
If he continues to hit like he did Tuesday in his first real spring training game since 2006—double and walk in three plate appearances—manager Lou Piniella might be tempted to take him as a backup third and first baseman. That would mean one outfielder would lose a roster spot.
"Can our mind be changed? Yes," Piniella said. "We're going to take a good look at him in the next couple of weeks. It would be a nice [comeback] story if it materializes."
Koskie hasn't played in a big-league game since July of 2006 because of post-concussion syndrome.
"I feel as normal as anyone can for a Canadian playing major-league baseball," he said. "I feel good out there."
Of course, he is leaving the final roster decision to the brass, saying, "I just take care of my own thing. If they like me, they like me. If they don't, they don't. That stuff doesn't concern me."
Closer look: Right-hander reliever David Patton, a Rule 5 draft from the Rockies, is opening eyes in camp with one run and seven strikeouts in 62/3 innings. Patton never has appeared in a game above Class A and must make the final roster or be offered back.
"He has a chance to stay here," Piniella said. "I'm seeing where other teams' Rule 5 drafts are being returned now. We haven't even discussed it. That means we've been impressed with him. He's not intimidated."<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
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