http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com...113&content_id=191120&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp No hibernation for Patterson D-Backs hurler is a winter workout warrior By Rich Draper / MLB.com PHOENIX -- Before Arizona pitcher John Patterson was born, many Major League hurlers always watched their weight (go up), were careful with their post-game diet (forget light beer, only the high-octane stuff) and exercised regularly (walking to and from their cars). How times have changed. Weight training is in, excess adipose tissue is out. Fellow Diamondback Randy Johnson says his in-season workouts are more strenuous than pitching on game days, and the 24-year-old Patterson, who took an exercise cue from the lithe Big Unit, isn't about to let one ounce of his 183 pounds on his 6-foot-4 frame turn to blubber. The right-hander has hired a personal trainer, is working out six days a week -- twice each day in the offseason -- and while agreeing it's an exhausting regimen he can always rest mid-day, even for just a few hours. Then it's back to the grind. Besides, Patterson is already reaping benefits. "I'm pretty tired, but it's worth it," said the pitcher, who only recently began throwing in a program devised by Arizona veteran Curt Schilling. "I'm gaining weight and feel a lot stronger. The idea is muscle mass. I want to put on good muscle weight but stay as lean as possible to keep flexibility. It's working." Patterson trains at Bank One Ballpark in the morning, alternating exercises involving his chest and biceps, back and calves, then concentrating on traps, delts, triceps, then at night with his trainer on his legs and abdominals and repeating some earlier workouts. Six hours a day. Whew. Why the intensity for such a relatively young man? Patterson was 2-0 with a 3.23 ERA in seven games with the D-Backs last season and held the St. Louis Cardinals to only one hit over six shutout innings while striking out eight on Sept. 24. The kid can throw heat, he has poise, and has been successful. But don't tell that to Patterson. To the right-hander, he's still a babe in the Major Leagues woods. "I haven't done anything yet and I still have to prove myself," said Patterson, reiterating his standard line. "I have to take the next step -- that's why I've dedicated myself to this offseason, preparing myself to be in the best shape I can be." He has torn a lot of pages from Schilling's dog-eared "book" on pitching and preparation, realizing a good game plan -- long one of Curt's priorities -- can translate into victories. Patterson also knows the Diamondbacks' acquisition of possible No. 3 starter Elmer Dessens from Cincinnati ups the stakes for a regular rotation spot. The rookie is looking forward to the challenge and the competition. "Going into Spring Training I wanted the No. 3 job," he said. "I think it's attainable and it's the goal I'm setting for myself. I don't want to be No. 4 or 5, I want to be No. 1. So even getting the third spot would be a great achievement." Patterson's drive and passion for baseball is readily acknowledged, and his attitude helped him rebound from right elbow surgery that canceled out the 2000 season at Triple-A Tucson. He had a so-so 2001, but roared back to notch a 10-5 record with the Sidewinders last season, prompting a promotion to the D-Backs. A return to the minors seems impractical. "That is what I think; there is no reason to go back there," said Patterson. "I've proven I can pitch at the big league level, and I want to show now that I can do it consistently over 30, 35 starts." A studious man, Patterson does log entries in his competition notebook, but the majority of his lesson plans are all indelibly inscribed between his ears. He remembers who he has faced, recalls their weaknesses, how to exploit each at-bat. Patterson, who turns 25 on Jan. 30, believes he's ready to embrace the big leagues, although you will rarely see the pitcher in a buoyant mood. It's that self-critical mindset at work in which perfection is always an elusive goal. "I'm more relaxed, yes," he said. "It is a weight off my shoulders knowing a starting job is mine to lose. But I'm out to prove how good I think I really am. I'm never happy about what I'm doing, because I always think I can do something better. It's a game that I play with myself, and it can be the best thing for me -- and it can be the worst thing for me at times." Rich Draper is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. Also found out today he is assured of a spot in the rotation unless he gets injured. Brenley and Garagiola Jr. have asked him to slow down a bit so he doesn't get hurt or wear himself out before Spring Training. CK
