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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 36th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > May > 27 > Entry
Bruuuuuuce, Bruuuuuuce
The Jay Bruce Era is upon us and it arrived with a bang, not a whimper.
Three hits. Two walks. A run-scoring double that nearly put a canon-sized hole in the right-field wall after nearly decapitating the right fielder.
Reds 9, Pirates 6, Bruce 1.000.
And think of those hits that were wasted in Louisville before the Cincinnati Reds came to their senses and added this 21-year-old stud to their roster.
Everybody welcomes Bruce, and the fans (all 17,000 of them) got into it by chanting Brooooooce, Broooooce every time he batted.
But Scott Hatteberg will be missed — not on the field or in the batter’s box, but in the clubhouse. I don’t understand why it wasn’t Corey Patterson jettisoned to make room for Bruce — other than the fact Patterson is making $3.5 million this year and Hatteberg was making $1.85 million.
They won’t miss Hatteberg’s inability to pinch-hit (1-for-17) and they won’t miss his below-the-Mendoza LIne batting average (.173).
To the Reds he had become just another mouth to feed, but that mouth was important in the clubhouse.
What they will miss is his presence in the clubhouse, his savvy and his willingness to share his experiences. Those kinds of players are fast disappearing from the Reds roster.
Joey Votto took Scott Hatteberg’s job at first base and Scott Hatteberg helped him do it. Votto dressed next to Hatteberg in the Reds clubhouse and Hatteberg answered every question the rookie had.
And he did it for every young player.
Listen to Votto: “At the beginning, when I first got here, I tried not to cross any lines or ruffle any feathers as far as me being a rookie. If I did, Hatteberg would tell me and give me some advice.
“His thing was if you are a rookie and act like a rookie everybody will treat you like a rookie,” said Votto. “If you know how to do the whole baseball thing, they’ll leave you alone.”
Votto said goodbye to Hatteberg as he packed his gear early Tuesday after the Reds designated him for assignment.
“I’m going to miss him,” said Votto. “A real nice guy to play with. Baseball-wise, he advised me on some little things to look out for. He was more somebody to look up to and see how to act professionally. He was the epitome of a professional, a good guy, a role model.”
Votto said Jay Bruce is missing out on Hatteberg’s sage advice and that Paul Janish was fortunate to get a couple of weeks of it.
“You watch certain guys and you learn things,” Votto said.
About Bruce, Votto said, “You hope what he did in the minors translates to the majors and he is another body to help us get some wins. It’s a perfect situation for Jay. It doesn’t matter who comes up here as long he helps this team.”
(Pregnant pause)
“But I’m sure Jay can help this team,” said Votto.
OK, Mr. GM, Mr. Walt Jocketty. Why Hatteberg. Why not Corey Patterson?
“It was tough,” said Jocketty. “Scott is a class guy who has contributed a lot here. But he wasn’t going to get playing time because Joey Votto has proved he can play first base every day. So, right now, it was the best move to make.”
Jocketty said they’ve been trying to trade Hatteberg and still hope they might get it done, but there have been few nibbles.
“There are things we felt Corey Patterson can still contribute to the club,” said Jocketty. “His defense, his baserunning. Obviously he is not hitting and he knows it ,and there are things to work on. But we have a left-handed first baseman in Votto and it was the right thing to do now. It was unanimous with the staff and we’ll see how it works out.”
Yes, sir, we certainly will.
And if Patterson is EVER put in the lineup ahead of Bruce, then it must be like when Pete Harnisch used to pitch for the Reds and sometimes he would look at the lineup card and say, “Hey, Skippah, we tryin’ to win?”
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Comments
By ZBro
May 28, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
I agree that Freel needs to play more, Keppinger to third when he comes back, and Janish at short—or at least Keppinger at short and Freel at third. Sign Dunn to a four year contract, send Griffey to the Mariners. Let’s look at some more young pitchers and try to get next year’s roster set now.By Geogre Crowe
May 28, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
I can hardly believe what I read in the post from GFM… racism? The truth hurts, doesn’t it bud? The fact is that too many African American athletes show an attitude that sticks in the throats of all sports fans. I just don’t see that same indifference in many Caucasian or Hispanic players. Hey, GFM, if the shoe fits… with myopic folks like you everything always seems to come down to that racist trump card…generally the same people who can’t see the truth because they are so overly sensitive and are wearing blinders. GFM is obviously one of those poor souls. Not to mention a whiner! How shallow and pathetic in 2008 that such minds still exist!By null
May 28, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
I think Patterson shows alot of potential in being a top of the line batboy in the near future.By Rich
May 28, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
I would like the Reds’ next on-field move to be making Freel the lead-off batter, playing at 3B, with Encarnacion joining Patterson in the PH ranksBy darryl
May 28, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
They should call up Todd frazier and put him at shortstop for the rest of the year then move him to outfield next year. this kids a stud to. he’s wasting his time in the minors!By Mark in Sun Valley
May 28, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
OK, this is bugging me, and please correct me if I am wrong Hal, but we are not saving any money releasing Hatteberg over Patterson. That money was spent the minute they signed the contracts. Baseball contracts are guaranteed. Day one, we were on the hook for the 3.5 million. No matter who is released, NO MONEY IS SAVED. The only way we would be “eating” salary is if they had a second year on their contracts or an option/penality for being released. The budget increased by one amount, the major league minimum (prorated) being paid to Bruce. In fact, the Reds could SAVE money if the released player is claimed off waivers in 10 days, since then the new club is responsible for the salary.By donb51
May 28, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Let’s hope that the “hope” Bruce brings inspires management to make the other necessary moves to build us a Big Red Machine with a burning desire as the engine.By Pete
May 28, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
YO DOCO — WAKE UP, DUDE! Junior motivated? R U kidding? He’s on his own agenda & always has been. Why do you think he’s ALWAYS been on LOSING teams?? One playoff team in Seattle — BIG FRIGGIN’ DEAL! And while he’s still on this team, they’ll NEVER win. Valentin’s not a very good pinch hitter, or a good hitter — PERIOD! He could’ve gone w/ Cory Knucklehead at the same time for all I care. And use Patterson as a pinch runner? He couldn’t run away from a bully on the playground!By Cait
May 28, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Welcome to Cincinnati, Mr. Bruce! Thanks for the good times, Hatte. Pete: Hatteberg bats left, not right. But I agree with your point. Next: Bailey comes up for Belisle (he can’t be worse) and Phillips for Patterson.By Cait
May 28, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Welcome to Cincinnati, Mr. Bruce! Thanks for the good times, Hatte. Pete: Hatteberg bats left, not right. But I agree with your point. Next: Bailey comes up for Belisle (he can’t be worse) and Phillips for Patterson.By patbut
May 28, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Bruce’s big day was against the Pirates - we’ll see what he does against the Braves - it was a nice to see a motivated hitter coming to the plate - maybe Jr, and Dunn can learn from Bruce instead of Bruce learning from them.By Doco
May 28, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
And I’ll miss Hatte, but I understand why they made the move. He’s not versatile. Even though Patterson is terrible you can use him to pinch run and he couldn’t do worse than Hatte as a pinch hitter. Well….not much worse. You can’t even pinch-run Hatte. I was thinking drop a catcher because who needs 3? But Valentin is versatile also. He’s our best pinch-hitter and a back-up 1st baseman.By Doco
May 28, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Griffey and Phillips were jealous of Hamilton because they took batting practice with him and felt like Dayton Dragons instead of big leaguers. Hopefully Bruce will make them jealous too, and indirectly motivate them to step up their games.By BTM
May 28, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
GFM…you can’t possibly be serious. Corey Patterson is HORRIBLE and Jrs. numbers have diminished. If Corey Patterson were white playing in front of a black player the NAACP would be screaming for the managers head. What a joke! MLB is no more a good old boys network than the NBA is a gang of thugs. UNBELIEVABLE.By Reds Fan
May 28, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Nice comeback win by the Reds does everyone forget it was 3-0 and the thing to get it started was the walks. I like the fact that Bruce got 2 walks shows maturity. Patterson has had so many 3-1 counts this year and flied out its pathetic. It’s all dollars and cents with him and Hatteburg. I always thought Hatte was a great guy to have on the team. The only asset Patterson has is defense but after Sunday like when Freel went in to replace Dunn what good does it do? We took Dunn out basically of another game. Is anybody going to tell Phillips he doesn’t have to be Babe Ruth? EE has to get it going or when Keppy comes back he’ll be either demoted or on the bench. Like that Cueto got the win not so happy with 119 pitches. I have said all along the team and fans just need a spark. I am excited when Hopper and Keppy come back. Maybe bring Maloney, Shearn, Bailey, Thompson(maybe too soon) for a few spot starts. Why risk too many innings to Volquez and Cueto. Basically my last thought is Belislie is on his last start contrary to what Baker and/or Jocketty say. Nice win keep the streak alive at home.By Steven Ross
May 28, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Oh play the race card GFM! Such a cop-out. Funny, people have very nice things to say about Phillips, Cueto, Volquez plus 1B Coach Billy Hatcher. Guess you over-looked those folks. We’re very critical of players Dunn and Ross. Guess you weren’t around when we raked over the coals, Boone, Miley and Narron. Moral of the story: you’re an idiot.By Steven Ross
May 28, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Actually, I can see Kepp at 3B with Janish at SS. Agone is “gone”. EE, Bruce and Votto would make a nice OF. Wishful thinking. It’s funny how Votto waxed poetic about Hatteberg yet you rarely hear that about Griffey or Dunn. I like the Dunner but do we really need him? Just asking. Build the team around Kepp, Janish, Phillips, Votto and Bruce. Get rid of the old guard.By GFM
May 28, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
one things for sure, you white people sure get your panties in a bunch when a good white athlete finally makes it to the Reds. Pattersons a bum, Griffey is a cancer, usty cant manage but the scrappy, gamer, high motor, non athlete white players get all the pub. That’s Cincinnati for you. Now i know why black people dont care or like the game of baseball. To much politics and to much “good old boys network”.By GFM
May 28, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
one things for sure, you white people sure get your panties in a bunch when a good white athlete finally makes it to the Reds. Pattersons a bum, Griffey is a cancer, usty cant manage but the scrappy, gamer, high motor, non athlete white players get all the pub. That’s Cincinnati for you. Now i know why black people dont care or like the game of baseball. To much politics and to much “good old boys network”.By Rick
May 28, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Reds management is the worst in baseball— we’ll see another example of it next week with the draft which is where Krivsky shined. Patterson is a joke— a leadoff hitter that goes 0-8— oh yeah he did get that bunt down. EE is a AAA player. I vote Hal McCoy for GM.By Darrell
May 28, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Jim M - Please don’t suggest sending Fogg to Colorado, we had him, and thank goodness we got rid of him. How about a good little league team for him? No, let’s not spoil some up and coming youngster’s experience in little league by sending Fogg there. McDonald’s hiring in Cincinnati?By Florida Buckeye
May 28, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Hal, per usual, I loved reading your blog. I have to tell you though, that I have a hard time believing that Jocketty is keeping Patterson for his base ruining skills! I checked on the Red’s stats today and Patterson’s batting average is lower than Harang’s…Hmm…but at least he doesn’t have as many mental gaffes as EE. I’m glad they brought up Bruce; but, the Reds are going to miss Hatterberg in ways that most fans will not be able to grasp…keep up the good work.By Bob
May 28, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this
With Bruce getting on base in the second spot and Jr. anchored in concrete in his prideful three hole, the net advance from Bruce being up will depend on the overswinging power hungry Phillips.By Bob
May 28, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
Hatteberg is a vanishing breed in the clubhouse with his helpful attitude. I read Rangers writers all winter after the Hamilton trade and it was obvious that a great deal of jealousy existed in the Reds clubhouse over Hamilton’s popularity. SI’s recents articles singled out Phillips as one of them along with Jr.who had been reported earlier. It will be the same with Bruce. Phillips easily forgets his baggage he brought from Cleveland and after the good season last year is obviously trying to be a power hitter this year. Oh, how egos can destroy our progress. It’s also not fair for Patterson to be put through this by Baker. It’s a disgrace to mgt. to let Dusty hire and retain Corey.By Pete
May 28, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this
Hatte for Patterson was nothing more than a money move —PERIOD, END OF DISCUSSION. Hatte hits better right handed w/ a stinkin’ blindfold on than Dusty’s prize possession. Patterson’s has NEVER been even a mediocre player who’s answered the most important question in Chicago, B-More & Cincy — HE CAN’T PLAY! PERIOD — END OF DISCUSSION!By sam
May 28, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this
Did I see where the Reds let Hatteberg go and kept Patterson? You have got to be kidding me! This Walt Jerketty is dumber than a box of rocks!By tom
May 28, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this
DON’T GET YOUR HOPE UP PEOPLE ! ! !By Jim M.
May 28, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this
I was at the game and WOW did Bruce put on a show.. he will get fans coming to the park after tonights excellent debut. I am glad i was able to witness that game!! After his double and he came out to CF, the fans were standing and yelling BRUUCEEEE and he looked downa dn you could see a grin.. he didnt wnat to make it look like he had it easy, but he is alot better then he was in spring training.. maybe it was the injury then.. also he hit a ball foul on a hot liner down past 3rd that we all went WOW that could have hurt the 3rd basemen if it was fair..also I am sure Patterson heard the loud boooo’s when he was announced to pinch hit and right after he did his normal pop fly out..He needs to go and bring up Andy Phillips.. he is a right handed bat that we need.. not “Mr easy out” Patterson!! Also send Fogg to Colorado and bring up Thompson to pitch in the rotation and put Belisle in the pen as the long man..By Jim M.
May 28, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this
I am sure Patterson heard the loud boooo’s when he was announced to pinch hit and right after he did his normal pop fly out..He needs to go and bring up Andy Phillips.. he is a right handed bat that we need.. not “Mr easy out” Patterson!! Also send Fogg to Colorado and bring up Thompson to picth in the rotation and put Belisle in the pen as the long man..By Dan in DC
May 28, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this
Finally some excitment this season.I think this gives Reds fans something to look forward to. We have a youth movement going on and a promising future. Mark in Sun Valley: thanks a lot- I just dropped 1/2 a piece of pizza on my shirt lauging at that post.By MAC
May 28, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
Nice game for “The Future” & the Reds! JB showed very good discipline at the plate and more importantly, the willingness to work the count & hit the ball where it is pitched. Throw Freel, Votto, Kepp and Jerry Jr in that category and all of a sudden the Reds have a lil something-something…a handful of guys who are tough outs, put the ball in play and do all the little things right. Kudos to Dunner as well. Of course the HR was awesome, but the run scoring single to the opposite field(LF) was icing on the cake! Jr you are next; when are U going to take advantage of the Def. shift and start hitting the ball the other way? As for Cueto, obviously the talent is there, but the kid just seems to be completely OVER throwing IMO. No wonder the control isn’t there; I doubt falling off the side of the mound helps him any in that category? He gets someone 0-2 and then misses his location on a pitch and like any ML pitcher, he becomes very hittable. IMO, he just needs to throw less and pitch more-what a concept!By Smokey Burgess
May 28, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
It was a pleasure, to watch tonight’s game…a pure joy. None of us have been able to say that much this year. I’m hoping that Jay Bruce and his energy and enthusiasm for the game will be contagious and he and the other younger guys can wake up a few of the head cases — Griffey and Encarnacion. Yeah, maybe if they’d bench Mr. pop up, strike out, ground out then Jr. would WANT to go to Seattle where they need him to put a smile on the faces of the locals. He won’t help the team but will put butts in seats and the fans will be elated to have the old has-been back for a year or two. They’ll just have to sell more Starbucks to afford his lameness. Of course they’ll be bitterly disappointed to see how much his skills have eroded.By wizard
May 27, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
Who does Jockety think he is talking to on TV? “We thought he was ready two weeks ago, but wanted to wait until we got home”? Duh. The man was ready long before Jockety took over! Makes one wonder how some people get the power to screw up athletic organizations. Nice win!By Kyle
May 27, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Bet no one cares that Hamilton jacked a grand slam for Texas tonight now that Bruce is up here.By Mark in Sun Valley
May 27, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Thank goodness we waited until Bruce was “ready”. It would have been horrible if he spent the first 2 months only getting on base 4 out of 5 times a game.. Baker will probably figure the kid needs a rest tomorrow and start Patterson. Someone should sit next to Dusty while he makes out the line-up, and if he so much as writes a “P”, they can hit his hand with a hammer.By Kyle
May 27, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
Let me be the first person who wasn’t there to say I was there when Jay Bruce debuted. What a great game to watch. I loved that they went ahead in the 5th to get Cueto the win. Anyone notice on TV at the end of the game when the Reds where going through the line of high fives? Corey-I-may-never-start-again Patterson was like a beat dog at the back of the line, looking around for someone to give a rats backside about him. He looked out of place. If the Reds are truly building a team attitude like the announcers were saying, Corey is the odd man out. He’s got to go.By rob
May 27, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Huh? Keep Patterson around for his baserunning? The guy has terrible baseball instincts. C’mon Jocketty we aren’t stupid.By Henry
May 27, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
Great day to be a Reds fan. p.s. I like the T.S. Eliot reference.By Michael
May 27, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Liz, the Mendoza Line is when a hitter fails to hit above .200. It was named for Mario Mendoza, a shortstop who one season hit like .198.By steve
May 27, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
I hate to see Hatteberg leave, but it is a business and they aren’t eating as much on his contract as they would have with Patterson. Bruce is 3-3 and looks very comfortable at the plate tonight. This kid looks like a natural out there. Hope this is just the begining of great things to come for this young man.By got milk
May 27, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
The Reds could put Kepp at 3rd and A-Gon at SS if they ever get healthy at the same time.By Randy Gans
May 27, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
How long will the Reds wait on Edwin Encarnacion? I’ve watched this guy for the last three years. When does the projected star status kick in. For the last month, he has looked lost at the plate, without a clue. What options do they have besides Ryan Freel to replace Edwin?By LIZ
May 27, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
Hal, What is the “Mendoza Line?”By got milk
May 27, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
So, who would you rather see at the plate pinch hitting in the bottom of the 5th? Hatte or Patterson? Yeah, I know he was 1 fer 17, but I’d still rather see Hatte up there.