Reality check

There are two weeks to go in Spring Training, and David Patton, the red-headed right-hander, is still in the Cubs camp and still impressing Lou Piniella. The Rule 5 pick has given up two runs in 8 2/3 innings this spring, including one run to Team Japan in an exhibition game. He has a chance at one of the two openings in the bullpen.

“I can’t really look ahead,” Patton said Saturday. “I came in not looking ahead to anything. I was coming in a Rule 5 draft pick that nobody knew and nobody heard about. I came in and showed what I’m capable of doing and my ability. Things have gone well but I’m not done yet. I’ve got some more innings to pitch down here and some more things I’d like to do. I just want to leave a good impression on Lou and the organization.”

One thing Piniella likes about Patton is that he has “no fear.” Patton can’t put a finger on that.

“I go out there with conviction,” Patton said. “I try as hard as I can to do the objective, which is to get outs, and get outs quick, and get my guys off the field.”

– Carrie Muskat