Joey Votto’s clean locker prompted Cincinnati Reds trade rumors

I’m guessing Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto may decide being a minimalist isn’t all that beneficial after his overly clean locker (as in nearly empty) promoted trade speculation on Sunday morning.

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Votto, who in recent years has become the face of the Cincinnati Reds organization was apparently given the day off by manager Bryan Price. No big deal, right? Well, the fact that Votto wasn’t penciled in to the lineup card did seem a little odd for many who cover the team.

There have also been rumors swirling that the Reds were in talks to trade for Tampa Bay Rays ace pitcher, David Price. Combine all the factors and beat writers began to speculate that Joey Votto’s locker had been cleaned out and he possibly could be heading to Tampa Bay in exchange for Price.

Clearly, panic started to ensue. But alas, it was all for nothing as eventually the cat was let out of the bag that Votto was simply having a day of rest and that his clean locker was a result of Votto’s distaste for clutter.

I guess from now on, Joey Votto may be best served to make his locker look like my high school locker, crammed with every piece of property I owned at the time. Of course, he could opt to keep things clean, but he might have to deal with a trade rumor every now or then when he’s not in the lineup because of it.

In short, put a bat and a glove in your locker, Joey.

[Deadspin]