Joey Votto

2013

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2012

For a power hitter, Votto doesn't hit a lot of flyballs (34.8 percent in 2010, 33.4 percent in 2011). The difference between his 37-homer 2010 season and his 29-homer season last year was that his HR/FB percentage dropped from an absurdly-high 25 percent in 2010 to a merely high 18.2 percent in 2011. However, he also lowered his groundball rate in 2011, turning more of those into line drives, so there is some hope that he ultimately will hit more flyballs, taking advantage of his settings at the Great American Ball Park. Otherwise, it's all systems go for Votto - expect many more high-average, high-OBP seasons hitting the middle of the Reds order. He's still good for 7-to-10 stolen bases in a given season, too.

2011

Votto's counting stats were able to catch up with his already great rate stats in 2010, leading up to his NL MVP award. Just think how many RBI he'd be able to tally if the Reds were capable of putting a decent leadoff man in front of him - Reds leadoff hitters were among the bottom five in baseball in both batting average and on-base percentage. At age 27, Votto is in the prime of his career, so a repeat of his 2010 power numbers is probable. The one aspect that might not repeat, however, is his 16 stolen bases.

2010

Votto's high-profile bout with depression in dealing with his father's death shed a lot of light on the topic and how it pertains to sports. The Reds were actually fairly progressive in allowing him to get the proper treatment and recovery, and while it's hard to forever declare him past that issue, he was able to at least deal with it adequately enough to allow him to play. Once he got on the field, Votto took the next step up to put himself among the elite first basemen in the game. In a league that has Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and Ryan Howard, Votto might not get too many All-Star appearances, but he's going to be a steady producer for the foreseeable future. His excellent batting eye makes him that much more valuable in leagues that account for OBP.

2009

Votto began the year having to split time with Scott Hatteberg at first base but ended the year as the Reds' best hitter. He and fellow rookie Jay Bruce will form the core of the new Reds lineup, along with Brandon Phillips. It'll be up to the Reds to make sure to surround them with enough quality hitters to build a decent offense, but Votto will do his part. There's some talk that he'll eventually be moved off first base to make room for Yonder Alonso, but that conversation won't likely happen in earnest until 2010.

2008

After a strong September trial, Reds fans had just one question about Votto: What took so long to call him up? Sure, Scott Hatteberg had a nice season, but the Reds were quite clearly playing out the string by midseason, and Votto could have used the extra time to adjust to the majors. Chances are that he'll be the Opening Day starter at first base, but be aware that the Reds exercised their 2008 option on Hatteberg, and that new manager Dusty Baker isn't exactly renowned for playing the young prospect over the proven veteran.

2007

Votto needed to have a big year at Double-A Chattanooga to continue his development, and he delivered, winning the Southern League's MVP Award. He's always had the raw power that drew the Reds towards him in the first place, but he refined that power while moving up a level. Scott Hatteberg will begin the year as the starting first baseman for the Reds, but don't be surprised if you see Votto's name in the lineup at that spot by September.

2006

Votto is still a little behind the curve developmentally, having not yet mastered high-A ball despite turning 22 in September. He continues to impress scouts with his raw power, but he hasn't yet completely translated that batting practice power into performance in game situations. Still, besides Jay Bruce, he's the Reds' best power prospect, perhaps underscoring the problems the team will face in the future.

2005

Votto needed a good year at low Single-A Dayton to remain a legitimate prospect and he responded in kind. Votto, a Canadian, was a second-round pick by the Reds in 2002 and took a little extra time getting used to the jump in competition. He's one of the few power prospects in the Reds system.