Reds dont wan't to rush Bailey, Bruce

[AmarilloRed]

Reds don't want to rush Bailey, Bruce
Pitcher, outfielder developing, growing at Triple-A Louisville
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com


CINCINNATI -- Two-fifths of the Reds' rotation hasn't been getting it done. The offense has sputtered as some hitters have been slow to heat up.

Help is only a phone call away at Triple-A Louisville, where the organization's top two prospects -- pitcher Homer Bailey and outfielder Jay Bruce -- just happen to be flourishing.

Manager Dusty Baker said on Thursday that promoting Bailey and Bruce was a consideration, but indicated it wasn't the preferred one yet.

"The thing about it, though, is you don't want to stunt their progress and growth," Baker said. "It's very tempting to think only of today vs. thinking what's right for them and us in the long run, for years to come. A month can be worth years in terms of experience and confidence."

Veteran Bronson Arroyo was roughed up again in a 9-3 loss to the Astros on Wednesday and has yet to provide a six-inning start or get a win this season. The fifth-spot was first occupied by Josh Fogg, who struggled. Fogg's replacement, Matt Belisle, was pounded on Monday by the Dodgers.

Bailey is 3-1 with a 1.03 ERA in four starts. He has four walks and 16 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings. Baker's reports say that the 21-year-old has cut down on his pitch count and shortened his delivery to better hold runners.

Bruce, the top prospect in all of baseball, entered Thursday batting .315 with three home runs and 12 RBIs.

Baker wasn't prepared to say that either Bailey or Bruce was ready for promotions. Baker has only viewed reports, but is, obviously, unable to see their improvements with his own eye.

The manager also wasn't willing to say the Reds needed the prospects.

"Need is not the issue right now," Baker said. "The issue is we've got guys here that have done the job and are about to do the job. You're telling me Adam Dunn is not going to hit 40 home runs? You're telling me [Ken Griffey Jr.] isn't going to hit 30 home runs, no matter how they've started? Is three weeks enough to say that they're ready for here?

"I'm dying for them to get here. I really am. I'm excited for when they get here. But sometimes you have sit on your hands and let them play. It's best for them."

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/...=.jsp&c_id=cin

[OldRed1966]

Are the Reds the only organization that worries about rushing players. Look at what the Diamondbacks have done with their young stars. They brought them up (Reynolds, Upton, Drew) and just let them play. Sure they have some struggles along the way, but I think they are doing just fine. I get so sick and tired of hearing that excuse.

[Jack Burton]

They should consider it on the job training, bring 'em up now. Play Bruce in the outfield everyday and plug Bailey into the 3rd spot in the rotation.

[Jharb74]

Here comes a cliche.....what's the worst that can happen, they lose?

[Hondo]

NO Way...

This team needs to play guys like Fogg, Beliese, Hariston, Patterson, Freel, Hopper, etc...

That was a joke.

[zakthemack]

Would anyone really have that big a problem with playing Hopper, Hairston and Bruce across the outfield?

[mlbfan30]

It's very odd how Baker talks about not needing to replace Dunn or Griffey.

Baker thinks Bruce cannot play CF, and therefore the only time he'll be brought up is when Dunn/Griffey get hurt. Patterson/Hairston/Freel will be the CF for the rest of the year because of this.

Because Bruce isn't a "leadoff hitter" he will not be playing CF

[redsupport]

dunn/griffey are losers they need to be swept away, they have been involved in so many losing seasons that it is in their marrow

[SarasotaFan]

so then who leads off if you don't have a prototypical lead-off hitter anywhere on the field ???? the pitcher ?

[GoReds33]

Bailey's not ready. Until he starts keeping his fastball down in the zone, and locating his breaking ball he's going to get crushed. Bruce should be up here in a few weeks though.

[LouisvilleCARDS]

I have to agree with Baker here to be honest. While bringing up a guy too fast doesn't necessarily mean it ruins them, if they get a big head and think they made it, and don't improve their game - then its disasterous. Look at Ryan Wagner. The guy shot up through the minor leagues in less than a year after being drafted, and then collapsed. The guy supposedly had attitude issues and stuff, and wasn't willing to learn, and now he's just a mediocre reliever.

[TeamSelig]

Anyone else think Arroyo may be injured?

[elfmanvt07]

Originally Posted by TeamSelig

Anyone else think Arroyo may be injured?

[Degenerate39]

The Reds don't want to rush Bailey or Bruce but Arroyo and Patterson apparently want them up with the Reds.

[Moose Milligan]

From what I understand I think they should call up Bruce. Bailey seems to be a bit fragile, let him get some time in the minors to work on a few things...there's no rush.