Joey Votto, Jay Bruce: The Future's So Bright, We Gotta Wear Shades

As a lifelong Reds' fan, I've noticed something very, very odd for June in Cincinnati: It's all smiles in the Queen City.

Jay Bruce has exploded into the Reds' lineup, hitting .423 with 12 runs, 3 home runs and 7 RBI in his  inaugural 10 games.

Joey Votto has preformed beautifully in this same ten game stretch, hitting .324 with 4 RBI. The two have combined for 3 stolen bases, 14 walks, 9 strikeouts, and 27 hits in 71 combined at bats.

Fourth year pitcher Edmonson Volquez is carrying a sub 2.00 ERA with an 8-2 record. Prospects Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey are showing flashes of greatness—both have had strong outings this year but have been troubled by consistency issues.

It's a much needed ray of hope for long suffering Cincinnati fans tired of clinging to the aging Griffey and Adam Dunn.

Good young ballplayers have revitalized the Reds' fan base and seem to be doing the same for the entire franchise.

Of course Rome wasn't re-built in a day—and no one understands that more than the Reds faithful. It's still a "Wait until next year" mentality.

But you can't help but feel like next year might just be worth waiting for.

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