Andrew McCutchen promoted to AA: comparison to Jay Bruce?

[Caveat Emperor]

Originally Posted by dougdirt

While thats true, this is Jays second season. At the same age and stage Jay is at now, Delmon Young was playing a full season in AA and AAA. Delmon was 18 his first year in A-ball, then at 19 he played at AA and AAA.

And we all saw firsthand how wonderfully mature Delmon Young was as he rushed through the system.

[bellhead]

Hopefully Bruce will come to spring training next year, hit the ball good, and then put Krisky on a difficult spot. Krisky will want to move him to Sarasota next year, but hopefully Bruce will force him to start him in AA.

To do this If I am Bruce enter into a off season conditioning program. Maybe look at playing winter ball, and show up to spring training in top shape.

[cincy jacket]

Originally Posted by Caveat Emperor

And we all saw firsthand how wonderfully mature Delmon Young was as he rushed through the system.

Punks like Delmon Young are going to find trouble no matter how fast or slow they are brought through the system. I don't know Jay Bruce from Adam when it comes to how mature he is but if his character is anywhere close to Young then he will find trouble in Dayton just as easy as he will in Chatanooga.

[Caveat Emperor]

Originally Posted by cincy jacket

Punks like Delmon Young are going to find trouble no matter how fast or slow they are brought through the system. I don't know Jay Bruce from Adam when it comes to how mature he is but if his character is anywhere close to Young then he will find trouble in Dayton just as easy as he will in Chatanooga.

There's a fair amount of truth to that -- I'm not saying that Delmon Young would've never done what he did had he been held back a little, but what I am saying is that there is a mental/emotional development that occurs with these players as well as a physical maturation.

We talk about these 19 year old and 20 year old kids like they're just mini-ballplayers waiting until their peripherals dictate that they need to be called up to play in the majors. However, we forget too quickly that they ARE 19 year olds and prone to many of the same "lapses of judgment" that comes with youth and growing up. Some players may be physically ready to challenge the next level, but mentally they need some stability -- working with the same coaches, playing with the same players, etc. -- to get the most out of their game at the age they are at.

It's something worth considering. How much consideration should you give it? Your mileage may vary.