I expect Votto to post a similar OPS that he has these last few years, around .800 in 2021, which is still good, though not great and definitely not Votto great. It’s rare for player over 35 to suddenly get better as they get older.
I expect Votto to post a similar OPS that he has these last few years, around .800 in 2021, which is still good, though not great and definitely not Votto great. It’s rare for player over 35 to suddenly get better as they get older.
Hoping to change my username to 75769024
Votto frustrates me sometimes but honestly it's only because in my mind i hold him to a higher standard. That has nothing to do with his salary and everything to do with the fact that he's on the very short list of the greatest players in Reds history...all that said i hope he tinkers less, stands tall, and rakes all season. I'll always look away when he's on the basepaths but I'll take my chances everytime with him at the plate.
Why not? It was a vert short season and this season could be looked at as an extension of last fall....really, just one long season.
From NBC Sports w/ NBC Sports comments:
Joey Votto told reporters Sunday that he expects to be better in 2021 than he was during his late-season power surge in 2020. Votto changed his approach midway through the season, realizing that while it would result in more strikeouts, it would also make him more "dangerous" at the plate. The result was eight home runs over his final 28 games after he had hit only three in his first 26 contests. "I refined last year," Votto said. "I'll be better than the back little bit of the season just because I've worked on it and I'll dedicate myself to it. I can't wait. I'm so excited." Votto is now 37 and hasn't done much for fantasy managers in three seasons, so file this under "we'll believe it when we see it." The good news is he's dirt cheap in fantasy leagues.
SOURCE: Bobby Nightengale on Twitter
"One problem with people who have no vices is that they're pretty sure to have some annoying virtues."
It's a little silly, but I like milestones. It will be fun to see him pass 300 HR's and 1,000 RBI's this year. Hopefully 2,000 hits as well.
mth123 (02-22-2021)
Here's to hoping Joey has a good '21 ... and I'll be able to watch him on TV (lol)
"In my day you had musicians who experimented with drugs. Now it's druggies experimenting with music" - Alfred G Clark (circa 1972)
IMO, Votto needs more rest. If you look at guys that excel in their later years, they tend to play fewer games. Unfortunately, the Reds really don't have the personnel to sit him against tough LHP etc.
I know he wants to be out there every day, in part because he thinks he owes the fans due to his contract, but a rested Votto is a productive Votto.
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Reading Votto's comments, I thought he was pretty clear that his intent was not to sacrifice his power but was an unintended consequence of trying to walk more and strikeout less. After his benching in 2020, he made the adjustments necessary to go back to a more "natural" approach. He has been stubbornly chasing his 2017 season the last 2-1/2 years (until the last stretch of 2020).
Personally, I think Votto has made 3 big "mistakes" in his career: spoiled fans with nearly a decade of exceptional play, accepted the massive contract offered to him (that was always going to iffy on the back end) and began his natural decline in his mid-30s
*BaseClogger* (02-22-2021)
Ultimate troll job - Votto waits until both Brennamans are gone to try to hit for more power again.
*BaseClogger* (02-22-2021),Bourgeois Zee (02-22-2021),Gapper (02-22-2021),mth123 (02-22-2021),Powel Crosley (02-22-2021),RedTeamGo! (02-22-2021),StRedlegs900 (02-22-2021)
I suspect we'll see a drop in BA as Votto sacrifices for power. Would a 250/350/450 1B 37-year-old 1B be okay with everyone?
“I think I throw the ball as hard as anyone. The ball just doesn't get there as fast.” — Eddie Bane
“We know we're better than this ... but we can't prove it.” — Tony Gwynn
Fully agree about the rest. There’s an argument Votto should sit one game almost every series. Should get no more than 400-450 PAs.
Reds could find a way to do this if they stock the bench properly. Especially if no DH, with the overflow of OFers looking for playing time. It should be a priority to have a “Plan B” for first base going into the season.
Last edited by Kc61; 02-22-2021 at 09:00 AM.
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