Why does Bruce get a free pass?

[redlegs2370]

During OD many people questioned why Dickerson & Nix were starting instead of Stubbs and Gomes and there seems to be this competition for CF between Dickerson and Stubbs. My question is why can't both Stubbs and Dickerson play at the same time. Could Dickerson do any worse than Bruce? I know Bruce was a #1 draft choice but I don't see what he has done, other than his first couple weeks in the big leagues, to deserve a guaranteed starting spot.

[GIDP]

2009 OPS
Bruce: .773
Dickerson: .743

Dickerson also had 75 less ABs against lefties than Bruce.

I like Dickerson but Bruce even with his struggles still out produced him.

[Ghosts of 1990]

He is 23 and his perceived ceiling. I'm growing frustrated with him too.

Gomes/Nix/Dickerson are all journeyman at best. Bruce's ceiling is viewed higher then that.

[big boy]

Bruce gets a pass because of he is so young.

[ukwazoo]

His free pass is going to expire soon.

[Griffey012]

He also has been hitting balls hard thus far, although right at people. It is too early too look at numbers, you have to look at what they are doing with the at bats they have. If they have a good approach, good swings, and hitting balls hard. For the most part Bruce has been doing this.

[Ghosts of 1990]

He also has been hitting balls hard thus far, although right at people. It is too early too look at numbers, you have to look at what they are doing with the at bats they have. If they have a good approach, good swings, and hitting balls hard. For the most part Bruce has been doing this.

He saw 24 pitches on Opening Day. more then anyone in the lineup in that game. That was lost in the shuffle.

[Vottomatic]

Bruce = Adam Dunn with defense

[Ghosts of 1990]

Bruce = Adam Dunn with defense

This used to seem like an ignorant statement but I can't even disagree anymore. He's worthless. I don't get it. I think its nerves.

[GIDP]

Bruce = Adam Dunn with defense

Adam Dunn with Defense is a 1st ballot hall of famer lol

[Fullboat]

The Reds need a new hitting coach!!! Someone make it happen please.

[sivman17]

I am very frustrated with Bruce right now too. But it's only been three games. He hit very well in spring training.

And compared to some of the other guys on the team, he isn't doing a whole lot worse. He's 1 for 12, Rolen is 2 for 12, B Phil is 2 for 11.

As someone mentioned, he is hitting the ball hard, which means eventually they will start dropping for base hits.

[Ghosts of 1990]

As someone mentioned, he is hitting the ball hard, which means eventually they will start dropping for base hits.

They didn't last year. He's just looking like a bust right now.

[batsfan]

They didn't last year. He's just looking like a bust right now.

If 1-12 means he is a bust, then so are Hunter Pence and Mark Texieria, who both started the season 0-12. Maybe we should trade Bruce for Vernon Wells, who is batting .714 with 3 home runs, because a hot start in the first week of the season clearly indicates his talent level, as Emilio Bonafacio showed us last year.

How can anyone think Bruce is a bust after his first 12 at bats of the season, especially since he has hit the ball hard? Remember, Bruce is the same age that Homer Bailey was last season, and he looked WAY more like a bust at this time a year ago. Give him a chance.

[big boy]

This used to seem like an ignorant statement but I can't even disagree anymore. He's worthless. I don't get it. I think its nerves.

Bruce has a long way to go to be as good as Dunn.