By John Fay | before an hour
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CINCINNATI — Joey Votto has spent his career as the Reds’ star. He was their top hitter, usually second or third in the lineup. But on Monday night, Votto returned to the lineup in sixth place against the Rockies.
And he seemed perfectly fine with that.
“I just got called up,” Votto said. “I’m here to apply for a job. That’s my mentality. That’s my attitude. Everything in this game is earned. I’ve been hungry since the day I got into this league. Nothing has changed.”
“Sometimes you feel like you have to guard your bowl. I’m definitely up for the challenge, but it’s always been like that.”
Votto enters the fight after missing 72 games following surgery on his left shoulder to repair his rotator cuff and biceps.
He joins a team that has won eight games in a row to reach a 37-35 record and be in the middle of the National League Central race.
“I’m a Cincinnati Red,” he said. “I watched a team that was chasing [an NL Central title]. That’s our goal. Step by step, of course. That’s what we play for. As a Red, I see them destroying the games. I’m happy for my boys. These are good guys. It’s so easy to cheer them on.
“I am happy. The last two months have been great.”
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Votto, 39, is the veteran of a young team. He’ll just try to be one of the guys and earn his playing time.
“He absolutely has it [immersed] “Himself,” said Reds manager David Bell. “He’s always done that.” But despite an injury, he’s found a way to stay connected to our team – [both] in the clubhouse [and] He will talk to the guys one by one to keep in touch. Everything that matters.
“As far as adapting goes, the best way to adapt is to perform.”
When it comes to leadership, Votto has always been reticent. He’s not usually a vocal type. But his work ethic is exemplary.
“I think about performing every day,” Votto said. “That uncertainty — that’s probably the most exciting part. That’s something that sets me apart in this position. You would have to ask my former and current team-mates how they perceive me.”
“I’m not at all comfortable talking about leadership or mentoring. I’ve never heard that tone of voice before. That’s not something to accept. It is something that is given to you. i am one of them It’s been me ever since.” I joined the league. I was always one of the boys. I’m proud of that.”
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Votto was happy to be back in the squad.
“I miss competing healthy,” he said. “I’ve done that my whole adult life. I just like to compete. I love this is not something that just falls into your lap.
Votto was successful from the start of spring training so was a little surprised it took him so long to bounce back.
“After that, get to major league pace of play.” [was difficult]”Votto said. “It’s a nasty injury. Almost all 500 homer guys – I’m not a 500 homer guy – but almost all guys, her hind arm [in their batting stance] is her dominant arm.
“If your back arm isn’t strong — David Ortiz, the great Hank Aaron, Ken Griffey Jr. — then your back arm is, the power arm.”
Votto says he is almost 100 percent healthy.
“I feel good,” he said. “The biggest problem was my hand. The biceps were the problem. It caused the problem in my elbow and hand. I couldn’t grab the bat. I couldn’t practice.”
“Now I don’t think about training anymore. I’m back in smash mode. I go into the cage and try to smash the ball. I’m trying to work towards something specific in terms of hitting. I do.” there or almost there.
Here, too, Votto will try to fit into the young, aggressive team.
“Base running – I try my best to run out every single ball to improve my condition,” said Votto. “Let out every flying ball, let out every ground ball [and] Try stealing bases just to fit in. First to Third. Passed balls. Hit a double play. All these things are part of this culture. I want to wear a Reds uniform until the end of my career.
“The culture is that.”