While an NL Central player has finally dethroned the St. Louis Cardinals on their monopoly of Emma Awards, this week’s recipient also dons a red uniform every day at work. Jay Bruce of the Cincinnati Reds has claimed the fourth Emma Award.
Bruce’s last three games really put him over the top this week. For the week as a whole, Bruce was 10-for-22, with six runs, three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 22 total bases. All three over those home runs and 7 of his RBIs came during his last three games. Bruce hit his fourth straight home run today, but the fourth Emma Award only counts through Saturday. A pretty impressive feat nonetheless.
For you percentage guys, Bruce batted .455 with a 1.520 OPS during the week. He is also the first NL Central player to hit three home runs in one week during 2012. Congratulations to Bruce and the Reds for finally dethroning the Cardinals. To the rest of you (ahem, Chicago Cubs), let’s pick it up!
Carlos Beltran absolutely cooled down after being recognized as the third recipient of the Emma Award. He only mustered 2 hits in 22 at bats, good for a .091 average. As a point of reference, Marlon Byrd had more hits than Beltran this week.
Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros out-hit Bruce (11, but in 26 at-bats), however, did not provide the power to claim the award. Tony Campana has been providing lightning speed for the Cubs. He’s gone 7-for-17 (.412 average), scored four runs and stolen five bases after being recalled from Iowa. Dale Sveum has been playing him at the top of the order and he has been coming through. On the pitching side of things, Bruce’s teammate, Johnny Cueto, notched two wins in two starts while only giving up one run. Wandy Rodriguez of the Houston Astros also won two games but gave up two between both starts. They each struck out 10 and 12, respectively.
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