Is Bruce stealing Junior's Thunder?

**jammin' jamey** · 06-01-2008, 07:13 PM

Ken Griffey Jr. is closing in on career homerun #600 and it has to go down in history as the most quiet chase of #600 in MLB history. Then suddenly, the Reds are in the national eye with the arrival of Jay Bruce. The fans (and team) are energized - and winning! Meanwhile, Junior hits #599 on Saturday but it's Bruce stealing the thunder for the day with a GW Homerun.

As I write this, Bruce goes deep again today and fans continue to chant "BRUUUUCE"...

Is Bruce stealing Junior's thunder. YES.
Is it a bad thing. NO..NOT AT ALL.

1. Junior talking earlier this year about his yearnings for returning to Seattle to "end his career" didn't help him in a popularity contest in the Queen City.
2. Junior has been slow to start this season - no surprise.
3. Just my opinion, but I believe #600 is the new "500" watermark for career homeruns. Yes, Manny hits #500 and ESPN is all over it, but you will find that #600 will be the new threshold for the Hall of Fame in terms of homeruns hit.
4. Junior playing in Cincinnati isn't as attractive as Boston, New York or other Major Markets...

Thoughts on Junior's quiet pursuit of #600 and Bruce Almighty?

Brooks4Prez · 06-01-2008, 07:32 PM

I definitely disagree about the 600 home run mark being the new 500. Junior will be only the sixth player in Major League history to hit 600 home runs. I think it is good that Bruce is taking some of the spotlight because with it he is taking some of the pressure.

**-STAT-** · 06-01-2008, 08:37 PM

This is what the Reds need, fresh young talent such as Jay Bruce thats going to get the attention and the spotlight. He has lived up every bit to the hype so far and if the Reds can keep it going then everyone will be satisfied.

**Playboy5** · 06-01-2008, 11:11 PM

When Jr. does get 600..Trade him!

Brooks4Prez · 06-01-2008, 11:52 PM

PLAYBOY5 Wrote:When Jr. does get 600..Trade him!

I believe this is what will happen.

**-STAT-** · 06-02-2008, 01:11 AM

PLAYBOY5 Wrote:When Jr. does get 600..Trade him!

Wouldn't surprise me if that did happen. If they did trade him what would you go for? Pitching or what?

**Panther Thunder** · 06-02-2008, 03:46 AM

If I was a Reds' Fan I'd take wins anyday.

**Playboy5** · 06-02-2008, 09:11 AM

I think there pitching is at it's strongest point in quiet some time now. I would go for a player at the corner who hits for average instead of power. A player like Mike Lowell is what this team lacks. They need to get someone who has won a few championships to help lead all of the young talent and one that can still play and be productive. Although being a Red Sox fan, I hope it isn't Lowell, but a player like him would be a good trade IMO!

mcolem00 · 06-02-2008, 09:23 AM

I was at the three game series with the Braves...BRUUUUUUUUUUCE is a stud. He can hit, play defense. He is an all around player...His BA is in the 590's...and his OBP is over .600. INSANE!!!! I think this kid especially batting before Jr. in the lineup is a good thing for Jr. He is getting on base so much that when Jr. comes to the plate Great American Ballpark is already very very loud, then when KEN GRIFFEY JR. is announced it gets even louder. Cincinnati has a great atmosphere inside the ball park right now. Plus every Reds fan seems to have a very positive outlook that the Reds can turn things around. After the game the streets are full of chants...BRUUUUUUUUUUUCE...It is an awesome place to go right now.

kybaseball · 06-02-2008, 09:36 AM

Bruce is stealing JR;s thunder because he is getting the job done.

I don't think 600 is the new 500,since some particular issues are being dealt with. Players should be returning to a more normal size and strength.

**Amun-Ra** · 06-02-2008, 11:24 AM

I was there Saturday when Jr. hit number 599 and the place couldn't have been louder. Yes Bruce is the new blood on the team and yes the fans love him, but it is nothing compared to when Jr. gets up there. The entire stadium was up on their feet clapping and cheering his name. The media and the nation might be letting Jr.'s chase go quietly but you cant tell it in Cincy.

bluegrassballa · 06-02-2008, 12:39 PM

Amun-Ra Wrote:I was there Saturday when Jr. hit number 599 and the place couldn't have been louder. Yes Bruce is the new blood on the team and yes the fans love him, but it is nothing compared to when Jr. gets up there. The entire stadium was up on their feet clapping and cheering his name. The media and the nation might be letting Jr.'s chase go quietly but you cant tell it in Cincy.

You got that right.

**jammin' jamey** · 06-02-2008, 04:50 PM

PLAYBOY5 Wrote:When Jr. does get 600..Trade him!

The only team willing to trade for Junior (as he is right now) is Seattle for the novelty of having his return in what is a dismal season for the Mariners at the present time. He's at the end of his contract, nearing the end of his career, and when you see Bruce playing the field and hitting the way he is it makes you forget about Junior.

The national media is paying attention to Bruce and his sudden impact. It just so happens Junior is approaching #600.

I wish the Reds would truly contend and make the postseason because I've been waiting years to see Junior actually have fun in a Reds uniform.

**Beef** · 06-02-2008, 08:44 PM

I think that the Reds would look to trade Jr. after 600 but as mentioned, they need to find someone that is will to make a good offer for him and with him at the end of his career and injury prone, this might not be an easy thing to do. Not to mention that he has a No Trade clause in his contract and I would think that he would require any club that is interested in him to agree to pick up his option for next season.

But if they do trade him, the Reds would have Dunn and Bruce in the corners with Freel, Patterson, Hopper and Hairston (when Kippenger gets better) as their options for center. I'd be pulling for Freel or Hariston to get the position.

**Amun-Ra** · 06-03-2008, 10:27 AM

I personally don't want to trade Jr. I want him to finish as a Red.

**TidesHoss32** · 06-03-2008, 11:24 AM

As for Bruce, last night after only going 2-4 with a HR, his average dropped to a paltry .577..looks like he's starting to slow down after all! (lol)

bearsfan_54 · 06-03-2008, 12:29 PM

Brooks4Prez Wrote:I definitely disagree about the 600 home run mark being the new 500. Junior will be only the sixth player in Major League history to hit 600 home runs. I think it is good that Bruce is taking some of the spotlight because with it he is taking some of the pressure.

I agree.

**jammin' jamey** · 06-03-2008, 05:28 PM

Brooks4Prez Wrote:I definitely disagree about the 600 home run mark being the new 500. Junior will be only the sixth player in Major League history to hit 600 home runs. I think it is good that Bruce is taking some of the spotlight because with it he is taking some of the pressure.

Jim Thome (who didn't take roids), Rafael Palmerio, Mark McGwire amd Frank Thomas have hit 500 or more career homeruns. Are they worthy of the hall? Gary Sheffield and Carlos Delgado will surpass 500 career homeruns before their careers are finished. Are they worthy? Frank Thomas may be the only candidate listed above worthy of the Hall someday and possibly Sheffield.

A-Rod and Manny Ramirez will surpass 600 at least. Junior will do it (someday!) It just seems like "600" is the new "500" to me.

**Beef** · 06-03-2008, 08:11 PM

TidesHoss32 Wrote:As for Bruce, last night after only going 2-4 with a HR, his average dropped to a paltry .577..looks like he's starting to slow down after all! (lol)

Yeah...I mean batting only .500, we should trade him while we still can Smile

**TidesHoss32** · 06-04-2008, 02:56 AM

Yeah you all could send him to the Pirates for a couple of career minor leaguers. We'll take him...sinking batting average and all.. Big Grin

Beef Wrote:Yeah...I mean batting only .500, we should trade him while we still can

**OffTheHook** · 06-04-2008, 08:45 AM

Just think if they still had Hamilton as well. Another youngster they let go. I would have much rather have had Hamilton and Bruce in the OF right now than Griffey.

**Amun-Ra** · 06-04-2008, 10:01 AM

If we had Hamilton we wouldn't have half of what we do now...

**More Cowbell** · 06-07-2008, 11:15 AM

OffTheHook Wrote:Just think if they still had Hamilton as well. Another youngster they let go. I would have much rather have had Hamilton and Bruce in the OF right now than Griffey.

You do realize that if they still had Hamilton, that they wouldn't have Edinson Volquez, right? The major league ERA leader who has pitched better than anybody so far?

I know Hamilton has been tearing it up for the Rangers, but the Reds needed pitching more than hitting. They have always been able to develop young hitters, but pitching is a different story.

I guess the question is, would you trade the guy who has been the best hitter so far for the guy who has been the best pitcher? On another team, the answer might be different, but for the Reds I would still do the deal.

Jshort5 · 06-07-2008, 04:29 PM

More Cowbell Wrote:You do realize that if they still had Hamilton, that they wouldn't have Edinson Volquez, right? The major league ERA leader who has pitched better than anybody so far?

I know Hamilton has been tearing it up for the Rangers, but the Reds needed pitching more than hitting. They have always been able to develop young hitters, but pitching is a different story.

I guess the question is, would you trade the guy who has been the best hitter so far for the guy who has been the best pitcher? On another team, the answer might be different, but for the Reds I would still do the deal.

You took my post right out of my mouth! Very Well Said!