Jay Bruce

[Anthony]

This year Jay Bruce is rated by many as one of the top prospects in the game. I've never seen him play, but I'm just going off what I've read. I've read from one source that he's the best player in the Reds OF right now. From what I've gathered he's not much on the basepaths, but he's great with average/power. Can anyone vouch for him. Do you think he will have a rookie year impact similar to maybe.....Hunter Pence?

....just asking because with all the hype, I drafted him in the first round of our dynasty entry draft.

[zam]

I'd expect the OF duties in Cincinnati to fall to Dunn, Freel, and Griffey, along with Norris Hopper added in. But, you can always bank on Griffey being hurt, so I'd give it a good chance he plays moderate innings in the big leagues this year.

[Surge]

If I had to pick a rookie to draft for the 2008 season and beyond, Bruce would probably be right there with Longoria. He was player of the year in the minors, and almost all of those guys turn out to produce for their team the next year. Right now, he's still competing with Hopper, Freel, and Dickerson, so it's no certainty he starts there, but he's only 21 and a five-tooler, he'll be challenging for at-bats all year.

[Gdawg]

I wouldn't worry about playing time for Bruce. The Reds wouldn't have traded Hamilton if they didn't feel Bruce was ready to take over in his spot.