If there was one player in the entire major leagues I would want on my favorite team (Boston Red Sox) it would be this guy. Since coming to the major leagues he has never hit less than .297. He posted back-to-back years with an OBP over .400 in '09 and '10, and currently has an OBP of .468. His home run totals have increased each season of his career. Outside of Pujols you could argue that Votto is the best hitter in the majors. Last season, he actually outhit Prince Albert, leading him to his first MVP award.During the off season it was announced that Votto had signed a 3 year $38 million extension; if Walt Jocketty is smart he'll sign him to a longer deal real soon. The Reds are a team with a lot of talent, but Votto surpasses all of them. He's everything sabermetric guys like me love: he hits for a lot of power, and is a beast when it comes to drawing a walk. Votto hits for a high average, so you could argue that's why his OBP is high, but in reality he's incredibly patient. Before going 0-4 last Sunday Votto had reach base in each of the first 33 games this season.
The biggest criticism of Votto has been his defense. In the minors he played mostly left field (a position for the most inept of fielders). However, since the Cincinnati outfield was full Votto was moved to first upon hitting the majors. Things were ugly for Votto right away, as he posted a -4.3 UZR in 2007. However, for each season since he's average a 4.4 UZR, going negative only once in 2009.
As shown by his increasing power, patience, and fielding Votto is a special kind of player. He is a guy who has such smarts for the game it doesn't matter what you do to try and get him out. His adjustments are fast and precise. Votto is the perfect player, and he continues to rise above the games best. Teams don't let guys like him get away, and it's just a matter of time before the Reds lock him up for his career.
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