When Dusty Baker took over as manager for the 2008 season, he felt he needed a couple of players he knew and with whom he was comfortable.
So the Reds signed catcher Paul Bako and outfielder Corey Patterson, both of whom played for Baker when he managed the Cubs. Neither worked out the way Baker had hoped, and general manager Walt Jocketty said neither would return for the 2009 season. Both will be let go as free agents.
Bako, 36 and an 11-year veteran, led the team's catchers with 88 starts and had career highs in appearances (99), home runs (six) and RBIs (35).
He also caught five of the team's six shutouts, but his age and his .217 average convinced the club not to bring him back.
Patterson, 29, was signed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract midway through spring training, but he spent most of the year in a batting funk.
He led the club with 82 starts in center field and played outstanding defense, but he hit only .205. He collected 17 doubles and 10 homers but had only 34 RBIs.
