Joey Votto

[pope]

Just an update...

Votto made the team with the Reds, but he is not the opening day starter.

The Reds wanted Votto to begin the year as the every day first baseman, but a poor spring keeps Hatteberg at first base. Votto will be a member of 2/3 player platoon until he secures the job, which if he performs well, may happen as early as mid-April.

[AussieDodger]

Mar 30 Scott Hatteberg will start ahead of Votto at first base on Opening Day against the Diamondbacks, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Recommendation: Votto will still probably get a half-share of playing time at first base, though it won't be a platoon with both him and Hatteberg batting lefty.

[JoshExley]

Just an update...

Votto made the team with the Reds, but he is not the opening day starter.

The Reds wanted Votto to begin the year as the every day first baseman, but a poor spring keeps Hatteberg at first base. Votto will be a member of 2/3 player platoon until he secures the job, which if he performs well, may happen as early as mid-April.

I hate Baker, but Votto did nothing to help his own cause...

[JoshExley]

He might just put up Billy Butler-type numbers...

[Yoda]

He didn't exactly help himself with a poor Spring Training. He's still better than Hatteberg so keep an eye on him.

[slomo007]

It's the right choice, IMO. In fact, I'd give Hatteberg the large majority of the playing time for as long as the Reds stay in the playoff race. If they do fall out of the race, that's when it's time to bring up Bruce and play both he and Votto.

What did Votto do to earn his playing time in spring training?

The Reds have a very, very good team this year and cannot risk a lot by playing youngsters when they're not ready.

[cordscords]

He didn't exactly help himself with a poor Spring Training. He's still better than Hatteberg so keep an eye on him.

Hatteberg has posted a .868 and .826 the last 2 seasons. That's nothing to sneeze at. Dusty Baker actually made a good move here.

[fantasyfiend]

It's called lack of foresight on Krivisky's part.

Hatteberg is a good veteran/mentor type, but no way the Reds should be wasting Votto's service time right now. Not only that, he needs opportunity to develop, and he's likely to out produce Hatteberg while "developing."

[Fpower]

So then what's the plan for Votto owners? Keep him a week or two to see if he gets much PT? Drop him if he's mostly sitting?

[Schwetty Balls]

So then what's the plan for Votto owners? Keep him a week or two to see if he gets much PT? Drop him if he's mostly sitting?

I would say it depends upon how deep your bench is. I have a 25 man roster, so I will hold onto him for a while to see how it plays out before I make a move with him.

In a shorter bench like I have in another league, I will wait about 2 weeks to see how it plays out.