Bust Candidate: 1B Joey Votto
By Bill Pivetz
Jun 30, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) reacts after an at bat during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The first base position is one of the deeper positions heading into the 2015 season. With veterans and up-and-comers filling out the top 10, you probably can’t go wrong when drafting one. Well, everyone except for Joey Votto. The Cincinnati Reds first baseman had a poor 2014 season and I don’t see that improving this year, so avoid him in your draft.
Votto was one of the most consistent first basemen in all of baseball. He played all 162 games just two seasons ago. Yet, last season was his worst since his rookie year in 2007. He played just 62 games; and in those games he hit six home runs, 23 RBI with a .255 average and .390 OBP.
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There has been a slow decline in his power over the last four seasons. From 2011 to 2014, he hit 29, 14, 24 and six home runs and 103, 56, 73 and 23 RBI respectively. His batting average took a sharp decline, too.
When looking for a first baseman, Votto should be at the bottom of your list of choices. With superstars like Jose Abreu, Edwin Encarnacion or Paul Goldschmidt, there will be someone to draft when you need it. Even Buster Posey or Votto’s teammate Todd Frazier are also eligible at first base, widening the pool of players to pick from.
Reds Manager Bryan Price had another positive update about first baseman Joey Votto a couple of weeks ago, MLB.com reported. “The strength was outstanding, the stamina was good and the agility. Right now, we’re looking to hit the ground running when Joey gets to Goodyear…’m confident that he’s going to be ready to go.”
While that may be all well and good, Votto still won’t be the power hitter he was five years ago. When drafting, look for a first baseman early because you do not want to be stuck with Votto as your starter. He won’t crack more than 16 home runs, 60 RBI and a .280 average.