Bruce watches and learns
Prospect impressed after seeing Griffey's batting regimen
BY JOHN FAY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Jay Bruce, the Reds' top pick in last year's draft, took advantage of a day off for Single-A Dayton to take in the Reds-Milwaukee Brewers game.

Bruce made the trip down with hitting coach Alonzo Powell and teammate Eric Eymann. They were on the field about 4 p.m. when Ken Griffey Jr. was in the midst of his marathon extra batting practice session.

"It was unbelievable," Bruce said. "To see him do what he does is amazing."

Griffey was fairly locked in during the session, spraying home runs from one foul line to the other off coach Billy Hatcher.

"That's not something you get many chances to see," Bruce said. "You don't want to pass it up."

Bruce, Eymann and Powell gave up some much needed leisure time to make the trip.

The Dragons played at Southwest Michigan Tuesday. They took a bus back to Dayton after the game. They're taking a bus to South Bend, Ind., for a game today.

Bruce, 19, is having a good year at Dayton. He's hitting .270 with nine home runs and 32 RBI. The nine home runs are the most among Reds minor-leaguers; the RBI are second most.

"I started off pretty good," Bruce said. "The biggest thing is to stay consistent. You can't get too high or low."

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