Jay Bruce’s Time Is Coming
The longer the Cincinnati Reds flounder in the cellar of the National League Central, the faster we will see super prospect outfielder Jay Bruce in center field. The Reds have some tradeable pieces in outfielders Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr., while a platoon of Ryan Freel and Corey Patterson has been less than stellar in center field.
New general manager Walt Jocketty will be wanting a clean slate as the Reds look to re-tool their roster. Young building blocks Johnny Cueto, Edinson Volquez and Joey Votto have already claimed full-time roles, and it is only a matter of time before Bruce does the same. He has an array of skills that will translate immediately in fantasy, most notably 30-home run and 20-stolen base potential.
Bruce is hitting .328 with 6 home runs, 27 RBIs, 22 runs scored and 7 stolen bases in 35 games at Triple-A Louisville. He ranks among the top 10 hitters in the International League in batting average (3rd), OPS (8th, .924) and home runs (T7th), while his seven steals are tied for 14th in the league.
Bruce has just nine walks and 34 strikeouts in 131 at-bats, so he needs to work on plate discipline, pitch identification and strike zone judgment. He needs to trend up in these areas, but should make the adjustments well enough to warrant a timely call-up. If things keep going the way they are in Cincinnati, Jocketty won’t be able to wait beyond June.
When the announcement is made that Bruce will be called up, competition for his services will heat up instantly. My thought is, go get him now, stash him on your bench, and wait for the call. In keeper leagues, Bruce should be obtained immediately in hopes that the Reds badly fall out of contention and/or trade Dunn or Griffey.
More thoughts …
Dynasty Rankings breaks down the Reds’ desires for better plate discipline from Bruce.
The Cincinnati Enquirer breaks down previous Reds GM Wayne Krivsky’s best and worst decisions.
The Enquirer also reflects on Jocketty’s decision-making, which is influenced by a “win now” mandate from Reds ownership.
Dustin Hockensmith is editor of ImaginaryDiamond.com. He can be contacted at dhockensmith[at]fantasysports101.net.
Filed under: Fantasy Headlines | Tagged: fantasy, roto, Triple-A, Cincinnati Reds, called up, Jay Bruce, prospect, promotion, Louisville, Griffey, Dunn
[...] as a key stat for Bruce What to Watch For: Will Jr. or Adam Dunn be traded? Other Notes: As noted on Imaginary Diamond Sunday, megaprospect Bruce will arrive sooner rather than later; he’s already the number 1 player [...]