Bruce's Grand Night

[BOX SCORE]

Let it be told that on this the 5th September, a 70 degree friday night in front of 31,213 at Great American Ball Park, Jay A. Bruce hit the first Grand Salami of his big league career off Jon Lieber and against the Reds hated rivals the Chicago Cubs, tying a career high of 4 RBI in the process. The blast was an opposite field shot in the 4th inning that gave the Reds a 9-0 lead. It was Bruce’s 16th home run of his career/season, he also added a double.

Joey Votto homered for the second straight day as well. Bronson Arroyo held up for his 14th victory of the year, in what has been a very Bronson Arroyo-like season for him. Jeff Keppinger added a few hits.

Whatever. The season has been long over but it certainly hasn’t been a waste. Bruce and Votto have clearly put their stamp on this team, especially Bruce. We’ve got Johnny Cueto, Edison Volquez, Bronson Arroyo, Aaron Harang, and a bevy of other young starting pitchers heading into next season. For the first time in about 5 years I am actually thinking about Opening Day next year before this year even ends. That is how excited I am about it. I also can tell you there is no doubt in my mind that I’ll be there for my 5th straight Opening Day.

Cincinnati is nothing more than a footnote at this point on the 2008 season. It’s a footnote that we must make sure is seen somewhere, by someone. Red Reporter notes that if either Bruce or Votto can reach 20 HRs, it will be the most by a Reds rookie since Bernie Carbo hit 21 in 1970. If either player tops that 21, it will be second to only Frank Robinson’s 38 in 1956. With our luck, Bruce gets snuffed on 19 in the season’s final day with a 5 K ballgame.

I’m gona go chew some Skoal and think about working saturday morning.