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31 days.....

submitted by JayBruce

January 16, 2008 | 61 comments |

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What's up guys? Sorry I've been away for so long. I did some traveling during the holidays, and also went to the rookie career development program in Washington D.C. I hope I didn't lose everyone haha. If yall have never heard of the rookie career development program, its a program where 3 players from each team who have a chance to make it to the major leagues sometime during this year go to learn more about dealing with the media, managing finances, and staying out of different sticky situations that some rookies find themselves in from time to time. I found it very beneficial, and hopefully will have to put some of the knowledge to work sooner than later this year haha. Another cool thing that we did in D.C. was go to the whitehouse, and the capitol building. All in all, it was a great trip. I had a lot of fun. The next trip I'll be going is spring training, and I hope yall are as excited as I am. I'm ready to get down to Florida and get the ball rolling. This year should be interesting, for both the reds and baseball. The MLB is in a tough situation right now, and I just hope they figure it out and get it resolved so everyone can just get the focus back on the game. How do you all feel about it? I'd like to hear some views from fans. Let me know what's up. Later guys

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61 Comments On: "31 days....."

	1. cincysportsart , January 16, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	Yeah, I definitely agree with you on that one. I'm sick of hearing about the Mitchell Report, Tejada this, Clemens that, this guy lied, this guys suing that one. I love baseball, for good or bad, and hopefully once guys start reporting to camp, the focus will be more on the game of baseball...not the hoopla surrounding it. Good luck getting ready for camp!!! Good to have you back!

	2. Roger_Dorn , January 16, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Hey Jay, good stuff. I heard that Bud Selig was talking about trying to institute a steroid test for all baseball players prior to being drafted. I don't think that will ever happen, but I'm curious. Do you think kids in HS are still using, and then stop when they know they'll be tested later on in their career or do you think all of the heat being brought down on MLB has made even high schoolers second guess using? Tough question to answer. Enjoy the next few months and can't wait to see you in the bigs!

	2.1. JayBruce , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Well rog...i know for a fact that no one i went to school with ever took steroids...so honestly i dont think there needs to be a test...maybe a recreational drug test..but performance enhancing drugs are pretty rare in highschool from what i know. Also, i know if i were still in highschool, and ever even thought about it, this would definitely scare me out of it. I dont think that steroid use being against the law is stressed enough.

	2.1.1. OSUBuckeye , January 18, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	I dunno, I personally think steroid use in HS might be more prevalent than anyone would like to admit. I played HS baseball in a suburban mid to upper class community. What I'm trying to say it's not the type of place where drug abuse is accepted or expected. I personally know of at least 2-3 athletes from my HS that I know were juicing to some extent. That's people I knew for a fact, not including others who I suspected. I never had anything offered but I didn't really run around with that crowd. I also know of a couple other guys that had to do random drug tests due to other more recreational pursuits. It absolutely shocked me to see this and also the amount of people that used smokeless tobacco (at least half the baseball team my last yr).

	2.1.1.1. ballplayer1826 , January 19, 2008	0 pts \| \| \|
	I definately see more HS kids doing it.

	2.1.2. Zaile61 , January 20, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	I currently play HS ball, and I can tell you its def. there. Not only in baseball but also in football. I agree with you Jay that the illegality is not stressed enough. In Florida, we actually have begun testing 1% of all baseball, football, and weightlifting players. However, 1% does nothing. I understand that they can't do all of the tests due to money issues but 1% is not stopping the ones that are on roids because it's very unlikely that they get tested. It's very unfortunate.

	2.1.2.1. ballplayer1826 , January 22, 2008	0 pts \| \| \|
	Yeah i definately see people who think they have a shot at the next level using them in HS before they start getting tested in College.

	3. BigAhnold , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Who were the other two guys you went with? Colby Rasmus?

	4. BigAhnold , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Oops, "from each team"....my bad...forgive the Rasmus reference... Anyway, who else went from the Reds?

	4.1. JayBruce , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	it was me Mat Maloney, and Paul Janish.

	5. ursportspro , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Cool article Jay. I always wondered about the developmental program in the Majors. You hear so much about it in the NFL and in the NBA. As for the lousy Steriod domination of our Baseball news lately, wasn't Donald Fehr on the Olympic committee that instituted the initial doping policy in the 1970's? Yet somehow it never occurred to him to institute one for his own sport until the post McGwire/Sosa era. Let's move onto hot stove talk. I think that Milwaukee did a great job in getting prepped and ready for a run at the Series so far. What team in the NL Central impresses you the most besides the Reds?

	5.1. JayBruce , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Obvi its the reds first. haha.....but I have been...Intrigued i guess by some of the cubs acquisitions thus far. theyve addressed some of their needs, and should be solid.

	6. rayj0101 , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	The development program is a great thing the MLB does.

	7. sportnut , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	The NBA and NFL should do more of this. I think they have similar programs, but they need to do more. There are way to many off the field situations that hurt those leagues. Lates to note, Joakim Noah.

	7.1. JayBruce , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	what happend with him? i heard he got suspended by the team, but didnt hear the offense.

	7.2. JayBruce , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	what happend with him? i heard he got suspended by the team, but didnt hear the offense.

	7.2.1. cincysportsart , January 18, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	i guess noah got into it with one of the assistants -- i believe at practice, and the team suspended him for a game....and then the players got together and voted to extend the suspension to a 2nd game. sounds like a case of the veterans making sure the "rookie" knows his place. which, i don't think anyone can disagree with at this point in his career.

	8. northpaw22k , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Thats cool about the rookie program, never new about that. As for the MLB situation, I'd like to know what guys in the minor leagues thought about all this....ie temptation, anger at cheaters taking away roster sports, etc.

	8.1. JayBruce , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Well, honestly its not really discussed that often, but from the knowledge i have....there isnt much temptation at all...the information people have on performance enhancing drugs now is much better than 20 years ago...so they know the negative side of it. I really dont see how risking your life in order to "enhance" your level of play would ever sound like a good idea. My thought on anger at cheaters....i gotta do me, and the people ive talked to about it feel the same way...as long as you take care of your side of it...the rest will play out.

	9. simplyhiredguy , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	I'm gunning for you in my fantasy draft, hopefully my brother doesn't read this.

	10. OSUBuckeye , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	To answer you in the previous blog about skyline....it's definitely the real deal, haha. It's a bit different than the homemade stuff, more soupy and has a different taste, but damn does it taste good on a coney with some cheese on top. you'll definitely have to check it out when you get into town, along with montgomery inn. skyline is the best fastfood and the inn is the best restaurant in town for sure.

	11. ChrisHakes , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	If you make the team out of spring training I will be in Cincinnati opening day to see you take on the D-Backs no matter what it takes and no matter what it costs.

	11.1. JayBruce , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	hopefully ill see you there haha

	12. jmoforcheese , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	man, i am so ready to get back to baseball. i haven't been this excited for reds baseball in a long time. i hope you make the team out of spring training, but if not, then i am sure you will make a quick rise later in the season.

	12.1. JayBruce , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	thanks man....i hope im there from pitch number 1

	13. MlbFan30 , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Hunter Pence started a blog, and he's been talking about his workout routine and how he gets ready for baseball. I was wondering what your typical workout schedule or day is like. Pence practically spends his entire day lifting/running/hitting/etc. Do you emphasize a certain aspect, or do everything, or nothing? Also I have a question about your interpretation of stats. Do you just look at HR/RBI/Runs/BA/OPS, or do you analyze SABR type stats such as VORP / WARP / linear weights / etc. You've been great at hitting XBH, but not as great at getting on base. You've said before that you need to walk more and work on your plate discipline. Do you say that because that's what others have told you, or because you understand the value of getting on base and avoiding an out.

	13.1. JayBruce , January 29, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Heyy hows it going? Okay so my typical workout day is....wake up at 7 am......leave my house by 730......get to my gym at around 815, get my lifting and running in..that usually gets done around 12 or so....then when its time to start hitting and throwing....i go straight from there to hit....so im usually done around 2 or so.....The 2 stats that i mainly pay attention to as far as production goes....is average and ops....which is on base + slugging....because i believe those 2 things win games..and i do understand the importance of getting on base.

	14. joshdacane , January 18, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	"went to the rookie career development program in Washington D.C. " You didn't call me? Grrr...haha

	15. Tommyjohn25 , January 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Hey there Jay. First time poster here on this blog. Let me start by saying that I think this is a great thing you are doing here, it's really awesome to be able to communicate to a member of the organization that we all love so much, especially one as highly touted as yourself. I am 28 years old and have been as die hard as they come since the first time I attended a game as a child, and I'll say this, I've never looked so forward to a prospects arrival as I have yours (nothing against Dunner or Homer haha). From everything I've read about you, you have all the tools on and off the field to be a superstar player and a true embassador for the game...that's priceless. So I guess my question is, what is it like being "THE" number one prospect in baseball? Is your schedule full from morning till night with places to be and people to meet with? Or do you actually manage to get some personal time for yourself? And if it is always chaotic, does it ever get old? I hope all the best for you in your upcoming season and your upcoming professional career, and I hope to see you patrolling the outfield on opening day! Best wishes.

	15.1. JayBruce , January 29, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Well thanks for the compliments.....hmm being the number one prospect is something i could have never imagined before it was actually happening haha. My schedule during the offseason is fairly busy,although i do manage to spend a large amount of time with family and friends,because i feel thats the most important thing during the offseason besides getting physically prepared. It doesnt get old haha...im taking in every second and enjoying it.

	16. Conor_Intabed , January 18, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	It's great to see top notch athletes like yourself taking time out or your day to post AND keep up with the comments that us, the fans, make on your blog. I'm just glad there are guys like yourself coming up the ranks of Professional Baseball yet keeping your ego under control enough to fit through a door frame. Can't wait to see you compete in Spring Training Jay!

	16.1. JayBruce , January 29, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Thanks hope you can make it to florida

	17. chitown324 , January 18, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Jay, huge Reds fan for over 30 yrs.. yea im a old guy LOL...just wanted your take on the card industry. Do u realize how much your rookie cards are worth? do you pay attention to that stuff at all? just curious. Looking forward to huge things from you my man, I am turning all my co workers into Jay Bruce fans... And I hope to see you at Wrigley this year! ( i live in Chicago)

	17.1. ballplayer1826 , January 25, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	hey i have about 300 barry bonds cards. No doubles. And stopped collecting around 03'. Arethey worth anything any more? thanks

	17.2. JayBruce , January 29, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	I dont really pay attention to that kin of stuff....all i know about my cards is what they look like because i sign them from time to time haha. Hope to see you at wrigley as well.

	18. Monkey2 , January 18, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Jay, who's the best pitcher you've faced in the minors? The guy you least like to face and would most like to have on your team?

	18.1. JayBruce , January 29, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Joba Chamberlain, Joba Chamberlain, and Joba Chamberlain haha

	18.1.1. cincysportsart , January 30, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	haha, well, you may get to avoid him for the most part, but if it's any consolation, you'll get your fair share of carlos zambrano, roy oswalt, ben sheets, yovani gallardo, chris carpenter, and depending on how the schedule, etc. goes, and if you make the team out of spring training...could potentially face brandon webb, dan haren, and randy johnson in your 1st 3 big league games to start the season! not to mention some other potential match-up's with johan santana (pending finalization of deal with Mets), cole hamels, brad penny, fellow Yardbarker blogger chad billingsley, barry zito, tim lincecum, matt cain, john smoltz, tom glavine, c.c. sabathia, fausto carmona, jake peavy, mark prior, josh beckett, curt schilling, a.j. burnett, phil hughes, and a whole host of other solid pitchers. something to look forward to, right?! haha i'm sure you'll do fine!!

	19. MBushskbum , January 18, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Jay, a Big Hello from Billings! It was great watching you play here. Hope to get back to the Cincinnati area to see you play this summer. In regards to steroids/HGH I don't really care about what happened in the past. I don't think we will ever really know. Both pitchers and hitters were using, so just let the records stand. I do want a completely clean game going forward with clear, strict, and enforcable testing and penalties.

	20. tripleaaaron , January 18, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Wanted to drop by and wish you good luck on the upcoming season. I really hope that you are the starting center fielder from day one as it would make the upcoming season even more exciting. As far as the steroids issue is concerned it is a travesty that such an epidemic was allowed to occur. I fully believe that those associated with the "outbreak",etc. should be fully punished to the extent of the law. While their are many to blame for said problem, we must remember that steroids are illegal and MLB and other officials need to pull the plug on the steroids problem by properly punishing everyone who has tarnished the integrity and image of the game.

	21. RedsFanJoe , January 19, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	I would like to ask you if you are interested in guest blogging on my sight. I write about Reds baseball cards (mainly) and thought it would be interesting to have a player write up about his card or another player's card. What it is like to be on a card. Let me know if you would like to and I would be glad to post it. http://redscards.blogspot.com/ Joe

	21.1. JayBruce , January 29, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	send me your email address in a message

	21.1.1. RedsFanJoe , January 30, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	My email address is oljoe73@gmail.com. Thanks for doing this. This has not been done that I have seen yet on other blogs. Joe

	22. MrRedlegs21 , January 20, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Jay, I gotta tell ya man. We're excited to see you. You seem like you've really got your head on straight and we really appreciate that. Hope you have a great season man. I got to see you in Dayton in 06 (I'm from Beavercreek) and you got it done and I heard nothing but great things about your interactions with the fans.

	23. redsrule , January 20, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	jay i post alot on espns msg boards you should check them out sometime ( the reds message board ) we are having a little debate over there about if you do win the cf job out of spring training who will lead off for the reds with a lineup of more than likely dunn , jr , you , edwin , alex , brandon , votto , and ross we really dont have a typical leadoff hitter and we had narrowed down the possibilities to you and votto what are your thoughts on leading off , have you ever done it before and would you like to

	23.1. JayBruce , January 29, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Mannnnn...I dont know about the lineup really...I do know that lefties and righties are going to be as balanced as possible....and i have actually never led off(in highschool for like 5 games haha)...but if it was the case of making the team that i had to lead off...sign me up haha

	24. ElGrande , January 20, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Thanks for a great blog, Mr. Bruce! We are hoping to see you at the Reds Caravan! Anyway, we are excited by the thoughts of a new era in not only Reds baseball but also Baseball in general. Although the Steroid Era brought some great Home Run Derby competitions, it is always better to see other tools a greatly talented player like yourself has. Last year we witnessed the best play ever in center when Mr. Hamilton dove for a ball, rolled and threw a bullet home to get a runner. The Ballpark was on its feet!

	25. MrOrange1219 , January 20, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Hey Jay - It's cool that you're doing this kind of thing (the blog). It's just another reason why I think you'll be a fan favorite in Cincinnati. The bad part about getting that kind of attention is the amount of pressure put on players before they get a change to play. My question is if you've ever talked to some other Cincinnati notables like Carson Palmeer, Chad Johnson, Homer Bailey or even Josh Hamilton befor he was traded about the pressures of the Cincinnati media? Either way, we make it to several Riverbat and Reds games a year, so we'll get to see you play no matter where you start the season. (We were at the game in Louisville last season to watch Homer pitch and got the great surprise of seeing your first game at Louisville, complete with a monster home run!) We'll see ya at the Reds Caravan in Lexington!

	26. OnBaseMachine , January 20, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Hey Jay, I'm looking forward to meeting you this Friday in Charleston, WV at the Reds caravan. I'd love to grab an autograph and picture if possible. You haven't even played a game with the Reds yet and you're already my favorite player along with Dunn. ;)