Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Reds‘ right fielder, Jay Bruce, has been in the big leagues since 2008. In his five-year career, Bruce has been a streaky player, but this year it’s obvious that he is becoming more of a complete player for the Reds.
In Jay’s rookie season, he hit a decent .254, had 21 home runs and knocked in 52 runs in only 108 games. Many Reds’ fans were thinking that Bruce could follow up his outstanding rookie season with an MVP-like second season. That didn’t happen. Bruce had a low batting average of .223, hit 22 home runs and knocked in 58 runs. The power numbers looked promising, but the average had a lot of people concerned.
Jay Bruce had a marvelous 2010 season; he hit a career-high .281, had 25 home runs and drove in 70. He was a huge reason why the Cincinnati Reds won the National League Central Division that year. In 2011, Bruce’s average plummeted to .256; however, he still managed to hit career-high 32 home runs and 97 RBIs. Like 2009, Bruce’s power numbers were great, but the average just wasn’t good enough.
In 2012, Bruce had an even lower batting average, he hit just .252, but still had 34 home runs and was one RBI shy of hitting the 100 mark. Everyone was happy with Bruce’s power numbers, but a lot of people still believed that he could be a more of a complete player, and a better pure-hitter.
Bruce might be becoming that complete player right in front of us this season. He has a nice batting average of .274; he has 24 home runs and 78 RBIs. He is a threat all-around, he isn’t just a home run hitter anymore, he is a much better pure-hitter than he previously was. Jay Bruce is a very important asset to the Cincinnati Reds; his talents could help take the team to the playoffs.
Coop Ledford is a Cincinnati Reds writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @CoopLed.
