Votto reflects on routine, rehab, what he learns from Reds’ young talent

Baseball

Published 19.08.2023

Votto reflects on routine, rehab, what he learns from Reds’ young talent

CINCINNATI — From a chair beside his locker at Great American Ballpark, Joey Votto displays on big-league season No. 17. In rather less than 4 hours, Votto’s Reds will play host to his hometown staff, the Toronto Blue Jays. For now, although, he has a couple of minutes to mirror on a shocking season and the place it’d lead.

A 12 months in the past, the Cincinnati Reds misplaced 100 video games, greater than all however two major-league groups. But early this season, Votto realized 2023 is perhaps totally different. By June, the arrival of tooled-out 21-year-old Elly De La Cruz made it clear to the remainder of the baseball world that this Reds staff had expertise. Yet even earlier than then, Votto believed this group may maintain its personal — and compete for a playoff berth.

“Matt over here is probably our best player,” Votto stated Friday afternoon, gesturing towards 24-year-old teammate Matt McLain, who sat close by.

“He’s been our most dependable, constant participant since his call-up. He was glorious in (triple-A) Louisville and he’s been glorious right here. He’s greater than you could possibly count on from a younger participant. And then, Spencer Steer‘s been right here all 12 months. He’s been fairly good and he’s been in a position to play lots of totally different positions.

“And then we’ve acquired lots of surprises on our staff. Too many to call. So yeah, a number of enjoyable and definitely lots of potential for this group, this staff in the long term.”

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Already, the Reds are making issues attention-grabbing with a 64-59 report that has them simply 2.0 video games out of first place within the NL Central. And even when Votto is sort of 20 years older than De La Cruz, the veteran first baseman continues to be in the midst of what the Reds try to perform, hitting house runs in bunches, meting out recommendation to the following era of Reds and absorbing what he can from the staff’s youngest gamers.

Now a number of weeks shy of his fortieth birthday, Votto makes some extent of studying from the following era. Asked what precisely he picks up, Votto quipped — “the tab, usually” — earlier than answering in earnest.

“The group of guys that we have here, they represent a different version of team,” he stated. “Cooperation amongst teammates. Friendship amongst teammates. Friendliness. These guys are actually supportive they usually use language that’s supportive additionally. They’re regular. They don’t react. They don’t slam helmets. The era I got here from was far more little feedback, snippy, sarcastic tone, by no means will admit that you just’re pleasant or that you just admire one thing about one other participant.

“It’s like all of the stuff they train you in remedy, they already know what they’re doing. You know what I imply? And I really feel like their type is far more healthy and far more supportive, far more, for lack of a greater phrase, loving. And yeah, there’s rather a lot to study from that.”

Of course, there are methods by which Votto might help youthful gamers, too. Take an evening like this, as an example. How may Votto put together for a 7 p.m. begin?

“6:40,” he corrected his questioner with a smile. “You could learn a thing or two, too.”

Loads of thought goes into Votto’s preparation, together with lots of effort. Rehab from the left rotator cuff and biceps surgical procedure he underwent this time final August required appreciable work behind the scenes, and the outcomes have been stellar since his return: an .805 OPS with 13 house runs by way of 47 video games within the ultimate assured 12 months of a contract that features a $20 million staff possibility for 2024.

In some methods, he will be unorthodox with a self-described tendency to sleep into the early afternoon, as an example. Yet in different methods, he’s versatile, adjusting to the calls for of a given day as an alternative of adhering to a strict schedule.

“I’m not that routine-oriented,” he stated. “I just try to come early and try to get better. That’s really all. Typically I come really early and I try to be as prepared as I possibly can for the first pitch, for the first ground ball, for the first sprint, and then also try to get better. I use the time before the game to make sure I’m ready and then during the game, get better. I don’t think of that as a routine. I think of that as just doing your job.”

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Three quarters of the best way by way of the season, these efforts have paid off for Votto and the Reds. Still, there are additional changes forward. The Reds’ core of younger gamers can be judged by wins and losses, as all gamers are. But for the likes of De La Cruz, McClain and Steer this season can be an opportunity to study some necessary classes on the fly.

“They’re already doing everything they need to do,” Votto stated. “They’re getting better. They’re making mistakes. They’re learning from the mistakes. They’re coming to work every day. This is their growth window as a major-league player. So as long as they continue to grow and move towards their potential, they’ll reap the benefits.”

As for Votto, he faces loads of his personal challenges even after 17 seasons on the highest stage. These days he’s excited about how his swing works in at present’s quickly evolving recreation. A lifetime .295 hitter with a .410 profession on-base share, he ought to most likely find yourself in Cooperstown, however the pitchers he faces each night time aren’t about to cease attacking.

There’s additionally the query of well being. If doubt ever entered his thoughts as he rehabbed his approach again from a process that usually comes with a 12-18 month timeline, he saved his concentrate on the duty at hand. So far, it’s been working.

“I’m feeling great,” he stated. “It’s been day by day. You know, there’s no other way to do it. And more importantly, what other choice do I have? I’m going to move towards a goal of mine. If I fall flat on my face, I at least tried. Worst-case scenario, I’ll get my shoulder ready for surfing. Or road hockey. Ice hockey. Shinny.”