Fantasy Update: Jay Bruce Arrives
The Cincinnati Reds have finally decided to do what many have been anxiously waiting for.
With a rotating outfield of Ken Griffey Jr., Adam Dunn, Corey Patterson, and Ryan Freel that has combined to hit only .254, the Reds called up super-prospect (the current #1 overall prospect) Jay Bruce from Triple-A Louisville.
This is the move many fantasy owners have been waiting for. Much like Ryan Braun of a year-ago, Bruce is a prospect that can truly impact a fantasy baseball race. We are not saying Bruce will come up and post 34 homers, 97 RBI, and 15 steals right out of the chute, as Braun did a year ago, but Bruce has shown in the minors he can hit the baseball.
After jumping straight from single A to AAA last season, Bruce has absolutely raked for AAA Louisville. He’s hitting .364 with 10 home runs and 24 total extra base hits in 49 games this season. His combined totals at Louisville in 99 combined games the past two years: 371 AB / 124 H / 62 R /21 2B / 7 3B / 21 HR / 62 RBI / 10 SB / 0.334 AVG / .980 OPS
As one can see, Bruce can flat out produce. He struggled in Spring Training after a thigh injury, but he is now healthy and ready for his opportunity in the big leagues. If the Reds give him consistent at bats and stick with him the remainder of the season, Bruce could truly be a good keeper or waiver-wire stud.
Will he play? Especially with Patterson batting only .201 and Freel struggling defensively in centerfield, expect Bruce to be in the lineup on a semi-regular to regular basis. As Reds’ general manager Walt Jocketty told ESPN on Tuesday, “When Jay comes up he will play a lot. We wouldn’t bring him up and not play him.”
If he is available in your league, pick him up immediately. If someone else has already nabbed him, consider trading for him. The fantasy experts over at Accuscore are attempting to trade for Bruce: “The players I’m offering are Xavier Nady, Shane Victorino, Michael Bourn, and in one deal I am offering Felix Hernandez and Jonathan Sanchez for Clayton Kershaw and Bruce.”
Derek Rang
Shotgun Spratling
| 2.5 |
May 27th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I was one of the fantasy players who was looking forward to Bruce’s arrival in the bigs… that is until I took a look at his numbers in Triple-A. His OBP and BA are what scares me about his potential impact in the bigs. Not only did I not pick him up, but I don’t think anyone in my 12-team league did either….
I recognize that he’s a gifted hitter, but his ball-strike recognition could probably use some work… work he’ll be putting in while he’s in the bigs.