Jay Bruce

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Wednesday that the Reds are going to promote Jay Bruce to Double-A Chattanooga before or at the All-Star break. Bruce is hitting .344 with nine home runs, 15 doubles and a .401 on-base percentage in 180 at-bats at High-A Sarasota. That is some solid production and it's even better when you realize that Bruce is only 20-years-old.



Chris Constancio over at FirstInning.com had a nice note about Bruce's ability to use all of the field as well saying, "Bruce ranks in the top ten [in the Florida State League] with 6 opposite-field doubles and a pair of opposite-field home runs." If Bruce can continue to hit the outside pitch with authority he is going to be a tough out in the majors.

A strong second half of the season at Double-A would put Bruce in a position to compete for an outfield job in Cincinnati next season. That might be a bit soon for his major league debut but it wouldn't be shocking to see him in the majors by the middle of the 2008 season. He's a prospect that should be owned in any type of fantasy league that allows minor league keepers.