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Reds Hot for MLB's Next Big Thing

Reds fans know talent when they see it, and they're loving Jay Bruce

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 19, 2008 8:19 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Forget Ken Griffey Jr. The Reds outfielder to keep an eye on is rookie Jay Bruce, the 21-year-old whose shirt sold out within 24 hours at the Great American Ball Park store. In his debut week, Bruce reached base in 22 of 33 tries, with 15 hits and 12 runs scored, SI reports. And he's a nice guy, too.

Even straight out of high school, Bruce had the talent that made some scouts call him the next Griffey. Junior himself is impressed with the rookie's hot start, saying that "He's doing a good job of taking the spotlight. After all the hype, I guess the fans are kind of excited to see him here."

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce is interviewed prior to his major league debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tuesday, May 27, 2008, in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce is interviewed prior to his major league debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tuesday, May 27, 2008, in Cincinnati.   (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
In this May 31, 2008 file photo, Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker hugs Jay Bruce (32) after Bruce hit a home run off Atlanta Braves pitcher Manny Acosta.
In this May 31, 2008 file photo, Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker hugs Jay Bruce (32) after Bruce hit a home run off Atlanta Braves pitcher Manny Acosta.   (AP Photo/Al Behrman, File)
in this May 31, 2008 file photo, Cincinnati Reds' Jay Bruce hits a home run off Atlanta Braves reliever Manny Acosta in the 10th inning of a baseball game in Cincinnati.
in this May 31, 2008 file photo, Cincinnati Reds' Jay Bruce hits a home run off Atlanta Braves reliever Manny Acosta in the 10th inning of a baseball game in Cincinnati.   (AP Photo/Al Behrman, File)
Cincinnati Reds' Jay Bruce watches ball four go into the glove of Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Ronny Paulino in the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, May 27, 2008, in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds' Jay Bruce watches ball four go into the glove of Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Ronny Paulino in the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, May 27, 2008, in Cincinnati.   (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
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MLB • Cincinnati Reds • baseball • Ken Griffey Jr. • Jay Bruce

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