The Reds are a surprise contender in the NL Central, and as we get closer to the playoffs, that means baseball fans are going to see more and more of Joey Votto.
Votto is going to make sure of it.
In an appearance on Chris Russo's "High Heat" on MLB Network, Votto dredged up a comment made by Russo in May. Russo claimed Votto wasn't Cooperstown-bound after his illustrious MLB career is over, instead sweeping him into the "Hall of Very Good."
Votto, a six-time All-Star, MVP, and Gold Glove winner, has led MLB in OBP three times, the NL in OBP seven times, and the NL in OPS twice. Despite once being a relatively quiet player who didn't give the media a whole lot, he has become beloved for his social media presence, which has opened up his personality in other walks of life.
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One of the doors this apparently unlocked is the one marked "WWE/Glengarry Glen Ross/Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve." In the snippet from Thursday's interview released on MLB Network, Votto took Russo to task, accusing the New Yorker of big-timing the Cincinnati Kid.
A couple of months ago, you said that Zack Greinke and I are 'Hall of Very Good' ballplayers. I think Zack and I would agree. You may be right, but I get the gist of what's going on here. I know what you're doing. You're looking down on us. A couple small-market, Midwest ball players just because we're not big city just like you. Mr. New York City, Sirius XM Radio star, Mr. National Television, ESPN star, with your Fifth Avenue ties, and your crisp pocket squares, your tailored suits, and your polished shoes. And your hair. Your perfectly coiffed, Broadway hair. Must be nice to sit atop that Madison Avenue ivory tower, looking down on us with those luscious locks. Not everyone can be the next Roger Peckinpaugh, Mad Dog! You should be ashamed of yourself! You're a disgrace!
All of this was said while Alanna Rizzo looked on in disbelief and Russo barely contained his laughter. To really capture Votto's spirit, the video has to be seen.
For those who don't know Roger Peckinpaugh, the early-1900s shortstop didn't even make the Hall of Fame himself. He, too, won an MVP in 1925 with the Washington Senators, late in his career. It's a bizarre name for Votto to pull, but somehow perfect for this rant.
There's something deeply satisfying about Votto accusing Russo of thinking of him as the hoi polloi. Votto may have been born in Toronto. But after his rant, he's all-Cincinnati.