Baker on Cueto, Patterson

Dusty Baker met with Johnny Cueto before Monday's game. The message was simple: When catcher Paul Bako puts down a sign, throw the pitch he asks for. Cueto shook off Bako quite a bit in Sunday's start.

"That alleviates him having to do a bunch of thinking and concentrating and delivering the pitch," Baker said. "This way he can be more committed to making that pitch. All he has to think about is making that pitch and locating it."

Baker has full confidence in Bako.

"That's Bako's strong suit," Baker said.

Edinson Volquez, the Red other young right-hander, rarely shakes off Bako.

ON PATTERSON: Baker was asked if he's thought about moving Corey Patterson down in the lineup.

"Yeah, what makes it kind of rough is you don't want to me left-handers in a row," Baker said. "That's what I'm trying to stay away from. He's going to get going. Guys usually end where there (career) average is. . . we don't have a bunch of speed. You need speed, especially in close games."

Patterson is hitting .196 with a .252 on-base percentage. He has five steals but he's been caught three times.

Ryan Freel, hitting .313. with a .356 on-base, will be in tomorrow against left-hander Mark Hendrickson.