I was mowing the lawn tonight, listening to McCoy and Marty discuss how Jay Bruce is stuck behind Corey Patterson, which got me thinking: What current Reds will fans of Dusty’s future team be complaining about in a few years?
I dispute that Bruce is stuck behind Patterson. He’s stuck behind hatteberg and Valentin for a roster spot, not a position. With Keppinger hurt, Hairston is no longer a regular center field option, and Freel has clearly earned playing time. So Bruce essentially just needs a roster spot with Patterson becoming the No. 4 or 5.
And the issue isn’t Patterson’s batting slot. Is Bruce gonna bat leadoff? No. Bruce would likely bat No. 7, but then you’d have three straight lefties.
THAT’S a bigger issue than Patterson . . . batting slot and stack of lefties.
What? OF course Bruce is stuck behind Patterson. If Hatteberg or Valentine were DL’d, traded, whatever, Andy Phillips is likely the one who’d get the callup, not Bruce.
Patterson is the extra outfielder if Bruce comes up. He will not be sitting behind Patterson–what purpose would that serve? So it becomes an issue of roster slot AND batting order slot, neither of which is open right now.
Right, the issue is Patterson is on the roster. bye-bye Patterson, and there’s a slot for Bruce. Bruce can bat leadoff. Problem solved. Don’t want to bat Bruce leadoff, then put Hairston there. Problem solved.
So Jocketty’s sitting in his office wondering how in the world he could get Bruce to the majors. “If only Valentine wasn’t on the roster, then Bruce would have a place on this team.” RRRIIIIGHT
I’m not saying that that couldn’t be actual transaction that takes place (moving a bench player, promoting Bruce, and benching Patterson.) But the presence of a bench player is NOT what’s keeping Bruce in AAA.
2009 stats: Sarasota 2-1 8 Games 8 Games Started 42.1 IP 4.89 ERA 1.44 WHIP
Carolina 3-2 6 Game 6 Game Started 36 2/3 IP 2.95 ERA 1.09 WHIP
Louisville 2-2 5 Game 5 Game Started 29 IP 2.48 ERA 1.21 WHIP
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I dispute that Bruce is stuck behind Patterson. He’s stuck behind hatteberg and Valentin for a roster spot, not a position. With Keppinger hurt, Hairston is no longer a regular center field option, and Freel has clearly earned playing time. So Bruce essentially just needs a roster spot with Patterson becoming the No. 4 or 5.
Bruce is 2 for 2 so far tonight. What does a guy have to do?
I meant Patterson as the No. 4 or 5 outfielder.
And the issue isn’t Patterson’s batting slot. Is Bruce gonna bat leadoff? No. Bruce would likely bat No. 7, but then you’d have three straight lefties.
THAT’S a bigger issue than Patterson . . . batting slot and stack of lefties.
Corey Patterson
Jerry Hariston Jr.
Patterson, Hairston, and Neifi Perez of course.
What? OF course Bruce is stuck behind Patterson. If Hatteberg or Valentine were DL’d, traded, whatever, Andy Phillips is likely the one who’d get the callup, not Bruce.
Patterson is the extra outfielder if Bruce comes up. He will not be sitting behind Patterson–what purpose would that serve? So it becomes an issue of roster slot AND batting order slot, neither of which is open right now.
Right, the issue is Patterson is on the roster. bye-bye Patterson, and there’s a slot for Bruce. Bruce can bat leadoff. Problem solved. Don’t want to bat Bruce leadoff, then put Hairston there. Problem solved.
Why eat $3 million to cut Patterson, the team’s best defensive outfielder, when you can eliminate Hatteberg or Valentin for almost half that amount?
So Hairston bats leadoff, eh? Okay, where’s Bruce hit?
Remember: He’s a rookie, never been in the big leagues, so he’s not batting 3-4-5.
Again, the issue isn’t Patterson, the issue of a slot.
So Jocketty’s sitting in his office wondering how in the world he could get Bruce to the majors. “If only Valentine wasn’t on the roster, then Bruce would have a place on this team.” RRRIIIIGHT
I’m not saying that that couldn’t be actual transaction that takes place (moving a bench player, promoting Bruce, and benching Patterson.) But the presence of a bench player is NOT what’s keeping Bruce in AAA.