Joey Votto is off to a slow start. He is hitting just .273 as the Reds begin its three-game series with the Houston Astros.
Votto has 22 strikeouts in 19 games which is two more than Drew Stubbs, who led the major leagues and set a team record last season.
However, Votto has been on base at a .430 clip.
"That's Barry Bonds numbers there," Dusty Baker said. "Bonds wouldn't get a hit for a week and be on base 12 times."
A slow start is really nothing new to Votto. In the first 19 games of his MVP 2010 season he hit .288 with 20 strikeouts but was only on base 40 percent of the time.
"He knows what he can do. We know what he can do. You know what he can do. It's miserable when your struggling but everyone who has ever played this game has. Albert Pujols is going through it now," Baker said.
Someone mentioned that Pujols got his first hit in a week last night but was thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double.
"He was probably so happy, he just kept on running," Baker said.
Jay Bruce will bat seventh against Wandy Rodriguez the lefthanded starting pitcher for Houston.
"I wrestled with this because Jay has been swinging the bat well," Baker said. "He's struggled against him a lot."
Bruce is 1-for-26 against Rodriguez with 13 strikeouts.
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
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