[bears9]

MESA, Ariz. -- He might have been the most conspicuously early player to arrive in camp for the Cubs this spring -- if only because he was the most conspicuously tardy Cub last fall.

But Eric Patterson said he learned from his mistake, and five months after he was sent back to the minors for showing up late before a game, he returns for another shot in the majors, maybe even with a chance to stick for good.

With another day left before the full squad begins formal workouts, the infielder/outfielder already seems to be making the right moves this time, including showing up a week early and initiating sit-downs with general manager Jim Hendry, player development director Oneri Fleita and manager Lou Piniella.

''I apologized for the mistake I made and said I'm really looking forward to coming to camp this year, working hard and showing them what I've got,'' Patterson said. ''It happened. It's in the past. All parties have moved on from it.''

The Cubs say they made their point with him last September, when Hendry and Fleita had Patterson finish out the season in the Class AA playoffs for Tennessee, and he starts fresh with them in a spring training that holds his best opportunity yet at the big leagues. To his credit, he didn't sulk when sent down and contributed a three-hit, four-RBI game to a playoff win

Early arrival Patterson looking for fresh start :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Cubs