Reds first baseman Joey Votto reported to spring training in Goodyear, Arizona, today, and a crowd immediately assembled to ask questions and just bask in his presence. Mark Sheldon and Zach Buchanan wrote about it, and here are some video highlights:
Asked Joey Votto if he thinks his game is becoming more valued as analytics and sabermetrics are embraced.
(The ending of this is awesome) pic.twitter.com/7Y1dowCEv6
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) February 16, 2017
Asked Joey Votto if he thinks back-to-back seasons of finishing with MVP votes will put to rest people poking holes in his game. His answer: pic.twitter.com/8ndkUm8YQx
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) February 16, 2017
Votto on his slow start last year #Reds #Unreal2ndHalf pic.twitter.com/T676Bq5Hvj
— Jim Day (@JimDayTV) February 16, 2017
Votto on the team transitioning with new players #Reds pic.twitter.com/inhHdhHRia
— Jim Day (@JimDayTV) February 16, 2017
Votto on the team's more encouraging 2nd half of the season in 2016 #Reds pic.twitter.com/rb80ZHXut8
— Jim Day (@JimDayTV) February 16, 2017
Votto doesn't mind the term "rebuilding" #Reds pic.twitter.com/Ruj7BZaxpm
— Jim Day (@JimDayTV) February 16, 2017
I wonder who falls into the “people who just don’t know what they are talking about” in video 2? I’m looking at you Marty and tHom.
I love that Joey Votto is clearly deliberate about everything he sees and incorporates into his process, his goals, his motivation and his execution EXCEPT developing slick responses for the inevitable questions. His responses are simple and honest and not even a little bit rehearsed. He’ll never be a media darling as a result, but if he’s focusing his energy on baseball and not on interviews that’s just one more detail that makes him so good on the field. Can’t wait for Opening Day!
Joey rocks