Cincinnati Reds’ Joey Votto revealed as National League Most Valuable Player
For a baseball player who lost his father back in August 2008, the achievement could not have been more meaningful. First baseman, Joey Votto won his bid for the 2010 National League’s Most Valuable Player Award yesterday and it wasn’t a surprise to see
the Cincinnati Reds player shed tears at the announcement of his major victory in the ratings’ contest. He was told not to be overdramatic but it was a special night for the hard working hitter.
The ranking for the top brass man wasn’t heading down a single stream when the 2010 regular season concluded. Albert Pujols, who was voted 2nd for the top position had won the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards heading into the night. For a
lot of fans, that seemed to indicate a possible grasp of the top accolade and many were hoping for Votto making the difference at the end. Adrian Gonzalez was heading the batting average list with .336, while Pujols posted 118 RBIs (Runs Batted In) and 42
home runs.
However, Votto was heading the statistics in 11 categories. He had a slugging percentage of .600, on base percentage of .424 and an on base plus slugging percentage of 1.024. Though his batting average was ranked 2nd in the league with .324, his
on road ratio of .349 was important in getting the side to the post season.
Votto and Pujols may lie on the fierce sides of the division but respect is something that sees no compromise in Major League Baseball. Joey made a comment on Albert by saying, "I don't like throwing the word 'great' around. Albert is probably the only great
guy I would mention. There are only five or six great players in our game. The rest are very good. That's not a commentary on us. I just don't like using that word. Albert is the great player; myself and Carlos Gonzalez are learning how to be Major Leaguers
and establish ourselves."
Recently, former St. Louis Cardinals General Manager and now Cincinnati Reds GM, Walt Jocketty was available for a comment on Votto. He said, "They are similar in the way they approach the game, their preparation, their discipline and their drive to be the
best. Joey has demonstrated that the last couple of years. It's a real accomplishment for Joey with the work he's done to strive to be the best."
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