Votto: Reds ‘failed,’ fans’ cynicism is justified
GOODYEAR, Ariz. – There are a lot of questions surrounding 39-year-old Reds first baseman Joey Votto. He’s recovering from surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and damage to his bicep, and he’s in the last guaranteed year of his contract with a $13 million decision looming in the offseason. (The Reds will pay a $20 million club option or a $7 million buyout).
“I think it’s hard to be nostalgic when you’re focused on performing,” Votto said.
He recognizes he’s coming off his worst season by a significant margin. Votto had a career-low batting average (.205), on-base percentage (.319) and slugging percentage (.370).
But he wasn’t alone in his struggles. Ownership cut payroll by $50 million
over the last two seasons, and Cincinnati is in a full-blown rebuild after tearing down their roster with several trades. Team president Phil Castellini presented a chart to a fan group last month about the increasing number of teams out of contention by Opening Day, which presumably included his own.
The hope, Votto said, is the Reds move closer toward “consistent winning, prestige and championships,” but he knows there is a lot of cynicism following just the second 100-loss season in franchise history.
“Say it,” Votto said. “We deserve it. We have to play better. It’s a failure of ours to leave such a supportive fanbase dissatisfied. We are aware of it. I am aware of it. The cynicism, in my opinion, is completely justified. More of it. Give it to us. We deserve it. We’re working towards it, but we have to do it collectively. Hearing their challenges, I think, helps us.”
Votto will be delayed from playing in spring training games as he continues to ramp up his baseball activities, but he’s pleased with his progress in the six months since the operation to repair injuries that affected the strength in his hand and left him unable to sleep at night.