Rob Neyer on Jay Bruce, Joey Votto
ESPN.com’s Rob Neyer (who linked to Redleg Nation recently; thanks, Rob) notes that the Reds have sent Jay Bruce to the minors, and wonders if Joey Votto is next (subscription required). He also says that the Reds could be pennant contenders this year if Bruce and Votto get 1,000 at-bats in the majors this year.
From Neyer’s lips to Wayne Krivsky’s ears….
March 21st, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I am trying to figure Krivsky out. Had Baker never arrived on the scene I think there is little doubt that Bruce and Votto would be regulars in the line-up. Is Krivsky just a wuss or what?
March 21st, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I don’t know how true that is. Krivsky has shown veteran preference himself in the past. That combined with Dusty’s indulgences may be all it takes to let the Reds field the most talented AAA team in the country.
March 21st, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I’m pretty sure that it’s Krivsky that is VERY anti-level jumping. That’s why it’s interesting to see what will happen with Cueto.
March 22nd, 2008 at 12:01 am
I don’t know about that Jim….
I guess its because neither of them has had a good spring and they came in knowing it was up for grabs. Votto is still in camp, and has been hitting the ball well the past few days. I don’t rule him out of the starting job just yet.
I don’t think Cueto’s lack of time in AAA is going to come into play. He did spend some time there, although not much.
I still think Louisville will be one of the most talented AAA teams for the start of the season though.
March 22nd, 2008 at 1:52 am
I’m not going to get all worked up about it. I think that if Bruce plays well in AAA (and Votto, if he starts there), he comes up pretty quickly.
March 22nd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
I think Krivsky is doing a great job building this ball club for now and for the future. But, Dusty Baker is the manager, so I think if he wants Bruce and Votto to start the year in AAA than that is where they need to be. Too many managers are unsuccessful because they allow GM’s to run the team. Those managers end up jobless like Tony Cimini.
March 22nd, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Dusty Baker is the manager of the club, not Wayne Krivsky. I think Wayne has done a great job. Their is a lot of talent in the organization that was not there years ago. I Dusty wants Bruce and Votto to start the year a Louisville than that is where they need to be. Managers that give in to GM’s pressure to play certain players over others end up unemployed like Tony Cimini.
March 22nd, 2008 at 9:27 pm
On further review, I think that sending Bruce down at this point is a good idea. The inevitible injury will come up, and no sense in starting the arb clock quite yet, and he can use some seasoning. Also, while Patterson is everybody’s target (sometimes mine as well) he has played very well this spring and with him and Hopper/Freel, we should be OK in CF for a little while. Votto however showed he can play and play well at this level and should be given the opportunity to platoon at first at least with Hat. Yes, they are both leftys, but platoon them anyway. Just pick your spots wisely and it ensures you a quality lefty on the bench late in the game. I still don’t know why Hatteburg can’t catch once in a while. If he caught Martinez and that knuckleball of Wakefield’s, he can handle some duty. Wouldn’t it make for a good left handed lineup with both him and Votto in there at once? Are his knees or back that big an issue? Anyone know why he’s not behind the dish at all anymore, even as the emergency catcher?
March 23rd, 2008 at 12:54 am
i forgot all about hatty catching! good idea.. however i think he’s not catching b/c of his arm… i think he injured it a while back which is why he’s at first now… good thinking though.
March 23rd, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Why in the world do people give Patterson’s spring numbers any credence? Do you really think he’s morphed into a good player?
It is possible, but it’s also possible that I’ll win the lottery tomorrow.