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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > March > 20 > Entry
Jay Bruce sent to minors
As expected, the Cincinnati Reds sent outfielder Jay Bruce to minor-league camp today, one of five players removed from major-league camp.
Bruce and pitchers Tom Shearn and Josh Roenicke were re-assigned to minor-league camp, while pitcher Marcus McBeth and outfielder Drew T. Anderson were optioned to Class AAA Louisville.
None was a surprise, although many in Reds Nation, including me, disagree with the removal of Bruce, the 20-year-old outfielder who was Minor League Player of the Year both for Baseball America and The Sporting News.
But it was self-evident when the Reds signed free-agent center fielder Corey Patterson, a player from manager Dusty Baker’s past.
Early in camp, when asked about Bruce, Baker said, “There is more to baseball than hitting. There is defense and throwing and running the bases.”
Baker did admit that Bruce has a huge upside and is a future star, but that star will shine over Louisville to start the season — and when Patterson and Norris Hopper don’t get the job done, Bruce will be back.
The sooner the better.
There are conspiracy theorists out there who believe the Reds are doing this to prevent Bruce from becoming arbitration-eligible a year sooner. If they wait until June to call him up, his arbitration eligibility moves back a year.
If that’s the case, and nobody is about to admit that, it means the Reds might not be taking their best players north.
“That’s not the case,” said Krivsky. “I’ve never understood why people make that an issue or a big deal. We have a lot of young players, some of whom will make it, and the clock starts running on them.”
Krivsky, manager Dusty Baker and outfield coach Billy Hatcher gave Bruce the bad news this morning and Krivsky said, “He took it really well. He promised to go down and bust his butt. He will be back at some point this year, but with Ken Griffey Jr., Adam Dunn, Corey Patterson, Norris Hopper and Ryan Freel, he wasn’t going to be a fourth outfielder.
“He had a good camp and we’re real pleased with his progress. But we feel this is the appropriate move. It was his first big-league camp and it was beneficial for him. He observed and learned a lot and did some nice things.”
Indeed, Bruce zipped through the system in one year - from Class A Sarasota to Class AA Chattanooga to Class AAA Louisville, and 60 per cent of his at-bats last year was in Class A.
“He got a lot of attention and that’s great,” said Krivsky. “He created a lot of positive talk and that’s good for our future, too.
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By Brian
March 23, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
The reincarnation of the Chicago Cubs(with all of their past success) has me very fearful for the Reds. The game is 75% pitching so we’ll see; but Stanton and Coffey. Wow!
By Ohio Jim
March 22, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
Although Bruce was minor league player of the year in 2007, he also struck out 135 times in 521 at bats. this equates to a strike out every 4 at bats. This was against minor league pitching. There is a big difference between minor and major league pitching. Dont forget that Adam Dunn was a .300 hitter at Louisvlle. More time at Louisville can only help Bruce.
By MT
March 21, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
I think this was the smart move. Dusty saw what happened to Patterson bringing him up early to please the peanut gallery, and it didn’t work out well. Now, with a little seasoning and competition lingering behind him, Patterson will either step up or step out. My guess is he’ll step up. I’m looking forward to this year. I also think the Volquez trade is going to turn out very well for us.
By Bill Johnson
March 21, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
So, I like the words HB used conerning his possibility of being sent to Louisville. Is our boy growing up a bit? I hope, if he goes down, he takes the time to listen to Ted Power. Ted knows the drill. He can be a valuable asset to any prospect, but certainly to one who is pretty sure the rest of us can’t live without him.
By Bill Johnson
March 21, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
So, I like the words HB used conerning his possibility of being sent to Louisville. Is our boy growing up a bit? I hope, if he goes down, he takes the time to listen to Ted Power. Ted knows the drill. He can be a valuable asset to any prospect, but certainly to one who is pretty sure the rest of us can’t live without him.
By Reds Ex-season ticket holder
March 21, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
Hey Sparky… You said “I would ratr see the Reds win now, with proven major leaguers,”… The only thing that Patterson has “proven” is that he is a lifetime scrub that didn’t live up to his potential.
By Joe Pfaffl
March 21, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
With Corey Patterson in Centerfield, the Reds can now claim the worst Outfield in the Major Leagues.The Loafer in Left,The trouble maker in Center and The Butcher Has Been Gold Glover (Last Decade)in Right ! Dunn and Griffey are both about 50 pounds overweight, they can’t run and they can’t throw. Patterson has a week arm and has limited range.Jay Bruce, Norris Hopper and Ryan Freel are all excellent Fielders and one and probably all should be in the Outfield on Opening Day. The other 3 slugs should be, from left to Right, A D Hitter, a Cab Driver, and A Retiree !
By Joe Pfaffl
March 21, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
Two years from now the Reds will eat the 3rd year of Bakers contract.The worst hire, ever ! Krivsky is gone at years end. Patterson will start trouble in the Clubhouse, just as he has done everywhere else. Why did Baltimore want Jay Bruce or Josh Hamilton ? and Why did Baltimore not want Patterson to return ? Dusty brought in some Cronies from his past failures. Same Ole Reds Baseball “Wait Til Next Year”
By TerribleBasics
March 20, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
The problem is the idiot who decided Dunn could play in the outfield, when he was drafted—at best, he could have only played first base.The guy doesn’t even bend his knees playing left; or when getting a lead off of first base—last year he was always cracking jokes or talking to the fist base coach,while getting a two foot lead!Watch him this year and you’ll see what I mean—he is totally out of position!The very first thing ANY athlete must do before running, is bend his knees—you even have to in bowling!If anyone needs a jump on the ball, it is Adam—he never gets one, because he’s always in a locked-knee position, as a baserunner and fielder.
By Scott
March 20, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Bruce won’t be a Red until Griffey is gone, whether thru trade or end of season.
By Dennis
March 20, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Bruce does not need more AAA. Albert Pujols only having 14 AB’s above single A really set him back.
By Ballgame
March 20, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
If .266 is not ready for the show then Patterson should never spend a day there. His dream is to hit .266. Based on history he couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat!!!!
By Ted
March 20, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Patterson wasn’t need on this team.Bruce has proven he was the best prospect in the minors. What else can he do there and what did Patterson do for Baker as a Cub. Helped get him fired as I remember. The Reds aren’t really trying to win.
By Tom
March 20, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Josh is right. I wasn’t stoked to see Patterson enter the mix (Freel, Farney, Hopper, and Bruce were a good competition) but what is done is done. (Same goes for the Hamilton trade, this discussion has nothing to do with it so stop whining about it!) I don’t mind the decision, but given Dusty’s reputation, I am doubt his motivation to ensure that Bruce improves. (In other words, I think he chose Patterson to find more of his typical ‘comfort zone’, not necessarily because Bruce NEEDED more AAA.
By Josh
March 20, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
I agree with Jeff. No need to bring him up right now. It isn’t like he was in AAA all season. Let him get settled in and bring him if/when CPat falters. And why doesn’t everyone get over the fact that we traded Hamilton? You’re pissed that Bruce isn’t up and your pissed that Hamilton isn’t here. Where would they both play? The Reds had OFs to spare (and still do) and a dramatic need at SP. The fact is Hammy was risky and they sold high on him to fill a need. Good move, IMO. I’d also like Patterson to get a little bit of support from the fans. He’s clearly the guy for Dusty, so why not get behind the guy, give him some confidence, and see if he can produce. We’ve crucified the guy before he’s done anything to hurt the team. Let’s give him a chance.
By smitty
March 20, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
I guess we continue to wait for the future. I myself have been waiting for ten years. Which five year plan are we on now? I forsee Hattberg at first because Votto obviously needs more “seasoning.” Here we go again - same old Reds.
By Homer J
March 20, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Face it, the kid just wasn’t ready, .266 isn’t anywhere close to what hehad to do to make the club. While I am not a huge Patterson fan, he isn’t a bad player and I think he will do just fine. Bruce can get some bats in AAA and we will see him in a month or so when someone gets hurt.
By Jeff
March 20, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
I agree with this move. I think that Bruce needs another 200 at bats in AAA. He has not even played a half a season in AAA. He still needs to continue to work on his fielding and base running. He got picked off the bases a few times.
By Cory
March 20, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
My hope is Patterson does an AWESOME job playing in GAPB then we can trade him and bring Bruce up.
By Y-City Jim
March 20, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Actually it makes the Hamilton trade looked better because Dusty would have screwed him over to play one of his good ole’ boys.
By BALLGAME
March 20, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
This decision makes the Hamilton trade look even worse than it really is. If we get pitching and still have a young talented center fielder then I am ok. Patterson has not been the answer anywhere!!! Why will he be any better here!! Bruce has nothing to prove in the minors…20 yrs old or not!!!!!
By we lost long enought
March 20, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Leave it to the REDs to chose a 258 carreer hitter over young guys hitting 300 plus. Time for a fan boycott.
By Stone
March 20, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Typical Rusty Dusty up to his old tricks of playing favorites even when the players suck. Look at Patterson’s career numbers. The guy sucks! He isn’t even that great on D. Bruce is an animal, and they want him to rot in AAA. What a joke. By the way, Josh Hamilton is hitting .556 and reached base 13 straight times this spring. Great trade there Krivsky!
By Sparky Anderson
March 20, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Bruce was fast tracked though the minors last year. It is had to say if he is ready. I would ratr see the Reds win now, with proven major leaguers, and in the future with guys that are ready.
By Matt
March 20, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Typical Reds – doing the stupidest thing possible. They shouldn’t have even signed Patterson. They already had a younger, more talented version in camp in Jay Bruce. He’s got nothing left to prove in the minors. It’s just stupid. This franchise will always pick the worst option possible.