What to do with Votto?

[marknjaye]

I know they keep saying that Votto is a slow starter. But, let's assume that he still looks lost at the plate in 6-7 more games. Ross is due to come off the DL soon. While he's no great shakes, with Javy recovering from the hammy tweak, I think they may send Votto down.

If you do though, do you give up on Joey and maybe trade him away. I mean, he's not old, but he's not exactly a young prospect anymore either. He was disappointing all spring and disappointing so far this year.

What do you think?

[Lark11]

We sit Hatteberg on the bench and commit to Votto.

Last September, Votto hit .321/.360/.548/.907 at the MLB level. He's going to be a good hitter and that should start this season.

[The Duke]

I agree, I like Hatte and all, but Votto needs to be playing at least 9 out of every ten games. That would be 145-146 games started, which is what it should be.

[marknjaye]

I admit, this platoon is not doing Hatty or Votto any good. It's hurting Votto the most by far. I also understand it's a hard call for Dusty. Dusty's trying to win games right now and Hatty has hit; Votto hasn't.

I just can't see him handing it to Joey. Especially with some of the ugly swings he's taken this season. Maybe in this situation, a prolonged stint in Louisville may help him find his stroke. Playing every other day isn't going to put him in any kind of groove.

I know that Votto put up good numbers at the end of last year. Does anyone have any idea of what kind of pitching he faced last year? I'm frankly too lazy to look it up. I think he wasn't facing just glorified minor leaguers down the stretch since we played several teams that were in contention.

[walstib]

Votto should start. Hatty should come off the bench to PH with an occassional start.

After 25 starts Votto's results should be re-assessed.

[natifanatic717]

I think the Reds need to play Votto more and more, but ease him into the role. Hatteberg is a great vet and all, but he would also be a good experienced bat off the bench in a late game situation. It is a good problem to have.

[dkeif88]

Its only 7 games in the year. Other than Keppinger and Phillips, no one is hitting for a good average. I would complain about Dunn more than Votto right now. Give him some time.

[jake2bake4]

I really would rather Votto be playing but I want to win now instead of worrying about the future. However, Hatte has been playing decently. I wouldn't mind Votto going down to the minors and being called up when his swing is going. That gives Kepp another position to play when Hatte needs a day off.

[powerofcincy]

I think Dusty is trying to be successful now while still seasoning players of the future. Thus the platoon. Hatteberg will produce immediately, while Votto still needs some work. A noble effort, I think, and hopefully it works out.

[GMBurchfield]

I got Votto hid on my fantasy team's bench ( thats killin me ) and this is what it said for breaking news for him.

Spin: In a somewhat disturbing note, Votto was on-deck to pinch-hit in the ninth inning with two outs before Brad Lidge walked Ken Griffey Jr. to load the bases. Votto was pulled in favor of Javier Valentin to face Lidge. Valentin struck out to end the game. It'll be hard for Votto to regain his confidence if that scenario repeats.

Now I can see how that would hurt his confidence but would him going up there with a chance to do something huge and not being able to hurt it even more? Does the reward of him gettin a huge hit and having his confedence shoot up out weigh that risk? I personaly havent decided.

[The Duke]

They should have pinch hit Votto, and not Valentin, and I said that before Valentin struck out. Votto has much much much more HR power and could have potentially won the game with one swing. Should have went with Votto, and Votto should be starting 9 games out of 10.

[awnawboi21]

IMO, given what has happened thus far, I think they have to option Votto to AAA to get some swings and some consistent starts. Let Hatte get some work in during that time.

When Votto awakens, you bring him back up and you start him the rest of the way.

[cincyreds45212]

Apr 7, 2008 13:23:15 GMT -5 marknjaye said:

I know they keep saying that Votto is a slow starter. But, let's assume that he still looks lost at the plate in 6-7 more games. Ross is due to come off the DL soon. While he's no great shakes, with Javy recovering from the hammy tweak, I think they may send Votto down.

If you do though, do you give up on Joey and maybe trade him away. I mean, he's not old, but he's not exactly a young prospect anymore either. He was disappointing all spring and disappointing so far this year.

What do you think?

start him everyday and see what he can do. I believe he will be fine. The Reds baby their young players way to much in the past, and with volquez and cueto up they are getting better, but if it was me votto and bruce would be starting everyday in the ML's. We arent winning the WS this yr, at least i would say the chances are very slim. Put the future in, they are as fragile as some think