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Jay Bruce getting more rest, attention

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By Hal McCoy, Staff Writer Updated 1:08 AM Friday, July 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA — For the second time this season, manager Dusty Baker believes Jay Bruce needs The View From the Dugout.

And Bruce's dwindling .209 batting average suggests he is right. So Bruce wasn't in Thursday's lineup and may not be in it the next two days when the Cincinnati Reds are in New York.

Baker also called Bruce into his office for a closed-door session early Thursday.

"Just want him to clear his head, much like the Phillies did with Jimmy Rollins and the Tigers did with Magglio Ordonez," said Baker. "I'm giving him today and (tonight) off to clear himself.

"He can study our guys — who is hitting and who is not and why — and he can study their guys like Chase Utley and Ryan Howard," Baker added. "He can see how they approach things, how they set up.

"Sometime you get in that funnel, man, and it's like being in a tornado," he said. "And as I told Bruce, 'You didn't get in this in a month and you're not going to get out of it in a month.' It's a slow, steady process in trying to recall what your mind-set was when you thought nobody could get you out."

Bruce doesn't agree and said, "I might come out of it in one day."

With the season half over and his average threatening the Mendoza line, Bruce agrees that, "I'm pressing at times. I'm definitely making no excuses for my struggles, but I'm definitely a lot better than I've been showing.

"It's learning, especially since never in my life have I struggled with anything and in the long run it is going to help me," Bruce added. "From time to time, it's ugly. But it is all about making adjustments and learning what it takes to be successful. I'm still very confident in my ability."

Amazingly, while he is hitting .209, he does have 18 homers, nearly one-third of his hits.

"Crazy game," said Bruce, shaking his head. "You have to have a short memory in this game. Mentally puts you into slumps more than physicall and at this point for me it is mental."

Reds sign K. Wells

The Reds signed pitcher Kip Wells to a minor-league contract and assigned the 32-year-old righthander to Class AAA Louisville.

Wells was designated for assignment by Washington on June 24 after he was 0-2 with a 6.48 ERA in 23 bullpen appearances, then released Monday.

The 11-year veteran was a starter for nine years with the Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh, Texas and St. Louis before Colorado placed him in the bullpen in 2008. His career record is 65-96 with a 4.71 ERA in 279 appearances, 205 starts.

Action for Janish

Paul Janish was at shortstop Thursday in place of Jerry Hairston and Baker said, "Janish needs to play some and Hairston has been playing every day," said Baker. "Hairston will play the last three games (in New York this weekend) before the break."

Taking it hard

Catcher Ramon Herandez walked into Baker's office before Thursday's game and asked for Philadelphia's lineup card so he could go over hitters with pitchers Micah Owings.

As Hernandez left the office, Baker said, "Now there is a guy who takes losses hard. It even takes it personally when the other team scores runs. And he is the happiest man in the world when he calls a shutout. That's how you want your catcher to be."

Quote of the day

"When Hank Aaron batted, pitchers couldn't tell if he was awake or asleep at the plate, then all of a sudden, 'Pow!'" — Baker, talking about different approaches

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FINALLY!!!!! Jay Bruce has a broken hand so now Dusty HAS to sit this .200 hitter. NOW we will see improvement in the Reds' offense. Too bad it came this way but Baker was never going to sit this guy. Come on Nix & Dickerson, let's show baker what he already knew but wouldn't give you a chance.

boxter
8:12 PM, 7/11/2009

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The front office should go out and get a couple of decent hitters if the Reds are going to make a run for Oct. This team is close to being good but, they still seem to look for a way to lose rather than a way to win. It is also time for Harang to ask for a trade because his team will not hit for him. They simply will not arise to the challenge when he pitches. I've never seen anything like it, the team as a whole is not much fun to follow.

Robert Coleman
6:31 AM, 7/11/2009

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Jay thinks he is HR hitter. Ever sinse he hit a few that is all he wants now. He trys to pull every pitch and when you are not hitting your weight, that isn't good. He has no RBI to speak of. He hits solo HR's and has very few SF. Everyone killed Adam Dunn for the same things, but with Bruce I don't hear it. At least Dunn drove in 100, walked 100 and scored 100. Bruce will never do that. Also sick of the "he's young". Ever hear of Evan Longoria?

boxter
6:10 AM, 7/11/2009

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Bob hit the nail on the head! This team just doesn't execute the basic fundamentals of the game night in and night out. And if U watch many of their minor league games/teams, U'd notice the same thing. In a word, they don't play "smart" baseball. I would agree they don't seem to hold the players accountable or emphasis the basics much. If the guys won't listen or try to change, I think it's time Cincy started signing players who will and who try to!

MAC
2:02 AM, 7/11/2009

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Jay will be ok still very young....need some help with bats....Scott Rolen where r u?

bpjtc5
5:16 PM, 7/10/2009

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