Does anyone else feel like the season is beginning anew with Joey Votto coming back tonight?
Here’s a roundup up some items from around the internets:
–Votto is going to meet with the media for the first time at 4 pm today. We’ll see what he says, if anything, about the whole situation surrounding his absence.
(P.S. It’s official. Votto is reinstated to the active roster, Wilkin Castillo is placed on the 15-day disabled list with a torn labrum (ouch; that’s a serious injury).)
–SS Alex Gonzalez had surgery. Here’s hoping that Gonzo makes a full recovery with as little pain as possible. Here’s also hoping that he takes his time coming back.
—Over at Reds.com, Mark Sheldon has been answering questions from his inbox. Most seem to focus on the outfield situation.
–Justin has a WAR Q & A. I can understand nine words in that post now.
—Via CTR, I see that Baseball America says that AA Carolina may have the best 1-2 punch in all of minor league baseball at the top of their rotation in Travis Wood and Zach Stewart. BA credits the development of a third pitch — Wood’s cutter and Stewart’s changeup — to the success of each pitcher. They’ve certainly been dominant this year, and I was very disappointed that I didn’t get to see either guy throw this weekend.
–As noted in today’s DOTF, rookie ball starts today. Doug has a preview of our favorite rookie league teams, the GCL Reds and the Billings Mustangs.
–If you didn’t listen to the latest podcast, you should. It includes one of the funniest Reds-related items in the history of RN. Heck, while you’re at it, go check out my pics and weekend report on the Carolina Mudcats.