Joey Votto has arrived in Goodyear and the team’s beat writers dutifully asked him about the “controversy” regarding his hitting approach. The issue has resurfaced because of recent comments like those from Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman, who said: “If this guy comes back and is content to lead the league in OBP again, then this team is in deep trouble.” Jay Jaffe of Sports Illustrated referred to this line of thinking as weapons-grade stupidity.
In response, the former MVP gave a long, thoughtful answer, but here’s the only part anyone will be talking about:
“I have to be careful with what I say. In terms of being in the middle of it, sometimes I think it’s really, really silly. I’m not going to use the word ‘ignorant,’ but ignorant.”
Mark Sheldon has the full transcript of Votto’s interview, which you should read. Here’s John Fay’s account of the interview.