Today's topic: Right Field
Looking back on 2011:
There were times last year where Bruce carried the team, and there were times where he looked completely lost at the plate, especially against left handed pitching.
His .256/32 HR/87 RBI doesn't tell the whole story, as 12 of those home runs came in the month of May, a month where he unstoppable.
Despite his inconsistencies, his career path is still going in a positive direction, with rising power numbers, and for a guy entering his age 25 season to already have 100 home runs, that's pretty impressive.
Combined with his power last year was his excellent defense, which has been a trademark of his game since entering the majors.
Looking ahead to 2012:
It's almost as if Bruce has slipped under the radar, as everyone is focused in on the Reds' new aquisitions, and wondering about the future with Votto and Phillips.
For Bruce, who will be in a Reds uniform for the forseeable future, I wouldn't be suprised to see him take an aim at 40 home runs, and in an otherwise unstable outfield, he is one aspect out in that large terrain of grass that can be counted on.
Also, it was reported that he came into camp having shed 20 pounds, so maybe that will help him stay consistent on a month-to-month basis.
Many Reds prospects over the past decade-plus failed to pan out (Brandon Larson, Austin Kearns, and Ryan Wagner come to mind). Bruce is past that. He is on his way to big things this season.
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