Reds' Joey Votto: I Don’t Like the Cubs
Marlon Byrd was one of the main heroes in the All-Star game as he made two key plays to help the National League defeat the American League for the first time in 14 years. As a result, the National League will have home-field advantage in the World Series, which could potentially serve as a huge favor to the Cincinnati Reds. However, the Reds’ Joey Votto, fellow teammate of Byrd in the Mid-Summer Classic, was in no mood of congratulating the Cubs’ outfielder.
"I don't like the Cubs," said Votto, who leads the National League in home runs. "And I'm not going to pat anybody with a Cubs uniform on the back."
Asked why he has such disdain for the Cubs, Votto said: "We are Cincinnati Reds. We're taught to hate everything in the Central Division. That's just how it is."
Byrd forced a walk in the seventh inning, which loaded the bases and opened the door to a big inning by the National League.
Byrd then made an alert play in the ninth inning to force David Ortiz to second base and caught the heavy legs of Ortiz. The right-fielder had to decide whether to go for the circus catch or let the ball bounce and catch Ortiz. He chose the latter and it worked.
After the game though, Votto was a little more soft-worded.
"Because he made that really cool play, it turned out to be a really cool experience," Votto said. "I'm really glad we got the win."
Marlon Byrd’s Cubs are struggling this season. The Cubs are third in the division and are trailing the Reds by 9 games. The Reds lead the division.
When asked about Votto’s comments, Byrd said: "That's the competitiveness in Joey Votto." "He's an MVP candidate right now. He's going to say what he believes. But at the same time, I don't think any Cubs are going to be patting a Cincinnati Reds player on the back during the season," he added.
"He's a great guy," Byrd said. "But when it comes to baseball, he's like I am on the field, go get 'em. I can smile at the opposing player, but at the same time, I don't wish them well when I'm playing against them. I'm going to play against the Phillies. I'm friends with a lot of guys. Jimmy Rollins is my man, but he knows I'll flip him if I have to."
The irony in all of this is that Byrd may have done the Reds a huge favor. With the Reds leading the NL Central, there is the possibility that the Reds could go to the World Series, and they may have Byrd to thank as his plays helped the National League secure home-field advantage in the Fall Classic.
All in all, Votto's disdain for the Cubs may actually be helping him when he plays against them. He's hit 15 homers in only 43 games against Chicago, his best against any opponent. Perhaps "seeing red" really does make a player perform better against the opposing team.
Votto is hitting .314 with a league-leading 22 homers and 60 RBIs this season. He is enjoying a breakout season and was selected to his first All-Star Game this year. Byrd was also a first-time All-Star based on his .317 average and league-best 27 doubles.
So this whole thing is really just the competitive nature of sports. It’s about winning and only one team can win on any given day. Of course, you won’t like any team standing in your way of a potential championship win.
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