The Book on Joey Votto

Graduated Prospect Info

Now that he's no longer rookie-eligible, The Book is closed on Joey Votto as a prospect. This page remains as a historical record of his time in our prospect list.

Last bio and ranking update: 11/1/2007.

CINJoey Votto
Born 9/10/1983
1B, CIN

He's got a New Yawk name, but he's the first-baseman of the future for Cincinnati. A .319 hitter with 22 HR's at AA last year, he also showed good speed, notching 24 steals in a full season.

While he may make the Reds out of spring training, a midseason callup is more likely, especially considering the aged state of Cincy's veteran fielders. Votto's only obvious shortcoming is an inability to do much against southpaws: he slugged only .399 against them last year. If he patches this hole, and if manager Dusty Baker's penchant for benching rookies doesn't get in his way, he could find his way to Cincinnati next year to stay. If he doesn't, he still has a long and solid career as a platoon-player ahead of him. Of course, in Great American, that might still be enough for 30 homers.

Player Updates and Notes

Joey Votto may be asked to move to left field in 2009 to make room for first-round draft pick Yonder Alonso, who is less mobile and probably limited to first base. Votto played the outfield in college and has the legs and arm for a corner position.

6/12/2008 by KDaddy

Scott Hatteberg fan(s) rejoice! Despite the success the .321-hitting Joey Votto had last year, his plate discipline is already rubbing new manager Dusty Baker the wrong way. Baker, in his infinite genius, wants Votto to be less selective and make more contact. No word yet on how this will impact the Reds base-clogging problems.

3/8/2008 by KDaddy

Votto is a likely candidate for a second-half callup, as the Reds look to get him the big-league experience he needs. If he is successful, he'll be the leading candidate to be the opening day first baseman for the Reds in 2008.

7/11/2007 by DataBoy

 

 

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