Quote Originally Posted by Roy Tucker View Post
What I'm hoping is that Votto's talent and work ethic gets him thorough this and all will be well.

What the 800 lb. gorilla in the room is Votto's depression and anxiety issues from a few years back. I realize it may be a very insensitive thing to say, but it makes me think he may be more prone to getting his swing totally out of whack. And on a long-term if not permanent basis.

And I want with all my heart and soul for that to be untrue and I'm speaking out my butt and everyone can point and laugh at me for being an idiot and unnecessarily worried an d jumping to conclusions. I'll gladly take all those slings and arrows for our usual superstar Joey Votto.
You're far from an idiot for thinking those things, Roy. I tend to think he'll be ok but I'd be lying if I said I didn't, on some level, share the same concerns.

One thing that encourages me: I don't know if there's a precedent for a player having a Steve Blass or Chuck Knoblauch style meltdown at the plate. Anyone?