Reasons for Joey Votto's early struggles

[dougdirt]

First lets take note of what Votto is currently hitting

.174/.321/.304

Compared to last years line of

.319/.408/.547

I was curious as to what was going on with his early struggles so I decided to look into why.

Now before I start let me preface this by saying EXTREME SMALL SAMPLE SIZE DISEASE

                           2006  2007   Difference 
GB Hit percentage          24.5  20.0     -4.5 
FB Hit percentage          39.3  28.5    -10.8 
LD Hit Percentage          77.4  37.5    -39.9 
K Percentage               18.5  28.0     +9.5

Joey is getting fewer hits to fall in last year than he was last year, specifically in the air outs he is getting. He is also striking out quite a bit more this year. I think that as the season goes on though things will start to even themselves out a little bit and his numbers will rise.

Now lets say his percentages stayed the same as last year, it would have already added 6 more hits, and put his batting average at .282 with an on base percentage of .429. Joey has just been a little unlucky compared to maybe a little lucky last season.

[jmac]

I am sure Votto has heard everyone say he will be in cincy by next year so he is probably pressing.
Maybe not at the start but after a slow start, he probably began to press.

[AmarilloRed]

He needs to relax, and his talent will make sure he is in Cincinnati.

[M2]

This is why players don't jump from AA to the majors with ease. AAA is a big step up and the majors is a huge step up from that. Baseball is a hard game and the degree of difficulty rises with each new level. What those numbers indicate to me is that maybe Votto isn't getting good swings at the ball because the pitchers have been able to keep him off balance (AAA tends to be crafty level).

I'm sure he'll adjust and start taking better rips as time goes on. He'll probably need a full season to master this level and he'll probably face similar adjustments his first full year in the majors. It doesn't mean he won't be a good player, it just means he's still got a good bit to learn.

[VR]

First lets take note of what Votto is currently hitting

.174/.321/.304

Compared to last years line of

.319/.408/.547



Now before I start let me preface this by saying EXTREME SMALL SAMPLE SIZE DISEASE

Good point (and good analysis too)
After a game he jumped to .210/.359/.403

Another OK game today (1-3 w/ a double and a bb) should have the OPS above 8....hope his struggles are behind him.

[dougdirt]

he is actually at .766 with a .366 OBP and a .400 Slugging percentage

[VR]

he is actually at .766 with a .366 OBP and a .400 Slugging percentage

After today?

I got him at .415 SLG...(27 bases....65 ab's)

[dougdirt]

He only has 26 total bases.

[VR]

He only has 26 total bases.

ahh, I thought he hit a double today, only a single. thanks.