Joey Votto should assume the title of the manager of the Cincinnati Reds, now that Brian Price lost the job. Okay, okay, I know it sounds a bit crazy, but when you think about it, it’s not such a far-out idea.
Votto said during Spring Training, “Frankly, a leader is very, very — what’s the word — you’re only as good as how well you play and how consistent your actions are. If don’t people don’t perceive your actions to be at the upper level and you don’t play at that upper level, then really you’re not a very valuable leader.” Votto is clearly the leader of this Reds team (I’m surprised he doesn’t wear a “C” on his chest) and he doesn’t really try to make up any wordy means of keeping his stature. He’s revered by his teammates and he’s been in the top ten of MVP voting each of the last three years. He continued on the topic of his leadership by saying, “To be honest with you, it’s never been a priority for me. I don’t want to say I was against it, but I didn’t pay it very much mind when there was demand because with a good team carries winning into accountability, carries accountability into performance and picking each other up.” A true leader doesn’t strive for the role, but they step up when it falls into their hands… or in this case, glove. His .243 batting average is fourth on the team, his 18 hits place him second in that category for the Redlegs, and his .337 on-base percentage places him fifth in the Cincinnati lineup. At 4-17, the Reds are in desperate need of a leader and why not have that leader be a familiar face, who already is the face of the squad, and is a good player? Last season, he came in second for the MVP Voting, close behind Giancarlo Stanton, who had the best season for a heavy-hitter since the steroid era. This is a clear indicator of his skill because the Reds were last in the National League Central Division, yet he still was one of the top players in all of baseball. First base is also a commanding position, where Votto can address everyone in the infield. Sure, shortstop or catcher are usually the “Captains of the Field,” but Votto can direct shifts to the rest of the field and as a powerful leader on the team, he already has influence over every player on diamond. Batting third, he is guaranteed to bat in the first inning, so he also is in the position to set the stage for the rest of the lineup. While Price’s main purpose as manager was to be able to help lead the pitchers, he ultimately failed in that role. Votto would help nurture what was their most powerful aspect last year; the bats. He also has a pitching coach serving as his second in command, so he can keep in constant contact with him, and do some effective delegating. The last player-manager in baseball was also a Red (and a would-be Hall of Famer), Pete Rose. The team and the history pose as a good omen for Tokki 2, so the choice is clear that Joey Votto is the rightful heir to the role of manager of the historic Cincinnati Reds. Jesse A. Cook “Here Me Out--Joey Votto Should Manage The Reds” April 24, 2018
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