Chris Dickerson also plays outstanding defense and is left-handed. He very easily could take Patterson's place if he plays better in spring training. If Chris Dickerson can play as well or better than Freel, Hopper or Patterson, he could just as easily be the Opening Day center fielder. All this goes out the window, however,if Bruce proves to be the real deal in spring training. I would say Patterson is a far distance from being guaranteed to make the team under any circumstances, however we will see.