Joey Votto deems debate about plate approach ‘silly’

Reds’ first baseman Joey Votto thinks the debate on his approach at the plate is expected but ‘silly’

After missing a majority of the 2014 season, Reds first baseman Joey Votto is looking to have a bounce-back year in 2015. Earlier this week, Reds longtime broadcaster Marty Brennaman created some controversy with some of his comments about Votto.

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Brennaman said on a Cincinnati radio show that the Reds would be in “deep trouble” if Votto came back this season with the same approach at the plate.

The discussion came about because many feel that Votto tends to reach out of the strike zone on pitches he shouldn’t be swinging at when runners are on base.

This led to Brennaman making the comments he did.

Arriving to the team’s spring training complex in Goodyear, Arizona, Votto responded to the debate of his approach at the plate.

In an interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer, Votto said that the comments made about his approach at the plate were “silly.”

"“It’s to be expected because I’m the guy who has the big contract,” he said. “There are times when it can be a big nuisance because I have to answer questions. But most of it’s noise. I think that I’ve proven when healthy that I’m a healthy part of the team. “But, in terms of like … I’ve got to be careful about what I say here … but being in the middle of it sometimes I think it’s really, really silly. I’m not going to use the word ignorant — but ignorant."

Since entering the majors, Votto has been one of the better first baseman in the league. It’s understandable his performance will be under a microscope more than others, considering the giant contract he has.

The Cincinnati Reds are looking to win their first World Series since 1990 and to have a chance in the stacked NL Central, they’re going to need Votto to be healthy and driving in runs.

(H/T: SI)

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