Where do you bat Votto?

[icehole3]

Not leadoff, I'm guessing 2nd or 6th.

[TheBigLebowski]

Probably 7th.

[marcshoe]

In that little chalk box on the left side of home plate. That's the base with five sides. Really, if he isn't sure, the home plate umpire will show him where to stand. He might not have much else to do soon.

[icehole3]

I'm cool with that no need clogging up the bases.

[50YrRedsFan]

I'm cool with that no need clogging up the bases.

Even if he hits better than last year, he needs to be put down in the lineup because of his poor baserunning.

[klw]

I would put him back to 3rd. If his struggles continue then a change to a new spot could follow.


Shogo
castle
Votto
Suarez
Moose
Galvis
Aquino/ Winker
Barnhart/ Cassali
Pitcher

[Bourgeois Zee]

I'd hit him second.

OBP remains vital in that spot and power is less important. Especially with Suarez, Moustakas, and Castellanos behind him.

[RedEye]

I still like Votto as the second hitter. Right between Shogo and Suarez, I say.

CF Shogo/Senzel
1B Votto
3B Suarez/Senzel
LF Castellanos/Shogo
2B Moose/Senzel
RF Winker/Aquino
SS Galvis
C Barnhart/Casali
SP

In this scenario, Senzel turns into a high-upside Brock Holt type. Unless he gets traded, of course...

[Bob Sheed]

What happens if he starts ice cold again? Last year it was for 2 months. Does he have that long of a rope this season too?

[50YrRedsFan]

What happens if he starts ice cold again? Last year it was for 2 months. Does he have that long of a rope this season too?

I suspect he will. It will probably be up to Votto to step back if he's pulling the team down. Or I hope he would.

[M2]

By my calculations, Votto has a $107M rope.

[malcontent]

I'd hit him second.

OBP remains vital in that spot and power is less important. Especially with Suarez, Moustakas, and Castellanos behind him.

Probably against RHP, but the .243 .347 .309 .656 against LHP is worrisome.

The question beside where he hits is also whether Bell will sit/rest him more often, particularly against lefties.

[GADawg]

By my calculations, Votto has a $107M rope.

If I’m the accountant I slip him a check for $7,000,000.01 just so I could get under that 100 million number....would make me feel better....of course my wife will tell you I’m not all that fiscally responsible

[Bourgeois Zee]

Probably against RHP, but the .243 .347 .309 .656 against LHP is worrisome.

The question beside where he hits is also whether Bell will sit/rest him more often, particularly against lefties.

I suspect, if the Reds still have all of Winker, Castellanos, Ervin, and Aquino on Opening Day, Votto will receive quite a bit of rest against LH.

[texasdave]

You have to feel good for Votto at this point. I imagine that over the last 6 years that he could have pushed for a trade, but he stuck it out with the Reds. And it looks like it just might pay off for Joey. They still have to play the games, of course, but it certainly looks like they will have a decent shot at making the playoffs.