Everyone thinks that the Reds signing of Corey Patterson assures that Jay Bruce will start the year (if not spend all season) in AAA. Well, there's a way to keep both Bruce and Patterson on the big league roster and get each of them regular at bats.
Remember, Ken Griffey Jr. is older and injury-prone and Dusty Baker will likely choose to rest Junior on a regular basis. Baker can come up with a rotation of Adam Dunn/Bruce/Griffey or Dunn/Patterson/Bruce or even put Bruce or Patterson for Dunn a couple times. In short, having four quality outfielders (albeit they're all left handers) is not a bad problem to have. And I think there's enough at bats and opportunities for Bruce to make the big league squad and play regularly. However, I don't think it's a terrible thing to start Bruce in AAA. Let's not forget that a year ago right now, he was starting for the Dayton Dragons in A ball. Bruce is only 20 years old and since the prospect of the Reds winning this year aren't very good, I just don't see why everyone wants to rush in Bruce. Let's make sure he's completely ready before dropping him into the fire and putting the pressure on him to be the team's savior.
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