Patterson's solution: Plenty of alarm clocks

Consider it a lesson learned for Eric Patterson.

As you may recall, the younger brother of former Cubs outfielder Corey Patterson was called up by the Cubs in September.

He remained with the big team through seven games before one fateful day when he reported late for work and was promptly sent back down to Class AA Tennessee.

This time around, the 25-year-old, who was called up Wednesday, has a master plan to combat any possible tardiness.

"Yeah, get about four or five alarm clocks and make sure they get set," he said with a laugh. "It's a mistake that happened and last year's in the past and this year you learn from it and don't let it happen again."

Cubs manager Lou Piniella wasted little time inserting Patterson into the leadoff spot Friday against Pittsburgh, and the second baseman responded with his first stolen base and his first RBI in the bigs.

Mays redux? "Not that good."

That was center fielder Reed Johnson's response when asked if his over-the-shoulder catch in the third inning to rob Nate McLouth of extra bases in any way compared to Willie Mays' all-time classic grab.

But it was good enough to keep a close game close.

"Johnson made a nice play," Lou Piniella said. "We played well defensively. I've been somewhat surprised that we haven't played nearly as well as I thought we would."

Sign of the times: A day after Cubs catcher Henry Blanco failed to get down a bunt in what turned out to be a non-bunt situation against the Reds, pitcher Rich Hill swung away in a bunt situation -- two runners on, less than two outs -- in the fourth inning against Pittsburgh.

"I didn't have him swinging away; we've got to talk about these signs a little bit," Lou Piniella said. "We were bunting in that situation. It surprised me a little that the ball was hit to the shortstop."

CSI Wrigley: Evidently those threats of being ejected from the park have worked.

When Pittsburgh's Nate McClouth led off the eighth inning with a solo home run, only one baseball was thrown back on the field from the bleachers, not the dozen or more that were tossed back Wednesday night, prompting Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman's now-famous outburst.