Reds first baseman Joey Votto has a .320 batting average, a .423 on-base percentage that ranks second in the majors, a .590 slugging percentage, 33 home runs and 101 RBI this season over 490 at-bats.
Still not convinced that Votto is one of the top hitters in all of baseball? Try this:
According to Rob Neyer of ESPN.com, the Cincinnati slugger has yet to hit an infield pop-up this season. Seriously.
FanGraphs, an excellent resource for stats both advanced and old-fashioned, has Votto at a 0.0% IFFB (infield fly ball) rate this season over 581 plate appearances. The great Albert Pujols has a 13.5% IFFB this year. American League MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera has a 7.5% IFFB. Josh Hamilton has a 3.3% IFFB.
Votto hit walkoff home run in the 10th inning of Saturday’s 5-4 victory over the Pirates. His Reds currently own a seven-game lead over the Cardinals in the National League Central and appear to be locked in for their first postseason appearance since 1995. Votto and his smooth swing might just nab the NL MVP.