From the Outhouse to the Penthouse

No one embodies that phrase more than Jay Bruce. The power-hitting outfielder spent the first four months of the season as the best everyday player on a hugely underachieving Mets team. Ravaged by injuries and tripped up by off-seasons, Bruce was the one bright spot in Flushing. But, as a pending free agent, he knew the Mets would try to move him if the team wasn't contending.
That picture was turned on its head August 9th, when Jay was traded from under-.500 Mets to the first place Indians. Two weeks later, the defending AL champs began a winning streak that yesterday reached a league-record 21. 
Instead of being the one big bat the Mets desperately depended on, he slips nicely into the middle of a strong lineup that already features Carlos Santana, Francisco Lindor and emerging star Jose Ramirez. A different situation, a different mindset. Happy fans -- though not enough show up at Progressive Field -- and an upbeat clubhouse under future Hall of Famer Terry Francona. 
While Bruce has only hit four home runs for the Tribe and is batting in the .250s as he did in Flushing, he only needs to stay on tune with this chorus. 
Yesterday, he did step up to sing lead: his three-run homer in the bottom of the 1st gave Indians the lead for keeps, as they rolled to a 5-3 victory over the Tigers; their 21st win in a row.
These images of Jay Bruce came from the Indians' August 28th win over the Yankees -- number-7 in that streak of 21.


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