Joey Votto: Reds Slugger Wins NL MVP

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Joey Votto, the slugging first baseman from the Cincinnati Reds who powered the club to their first playoff berth since 1995, has been named National League MVP for the 2010 season.

Votto, 27, received 31 out of 32 possible first-place votes, finishing with a dominant lead over the second-place finisher, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols.

Votto led baseball in 11 different offensive categories, was second in the NL in batting average (.324), and third in both home runs (37) and RBI (113). He was the heart and soul of the Reds offense, and was an offensive and defensive stalwart for Cincinnati's lineup.

Votto had been a slugger since his rookie year, but had battled depression and anxiety disorders in 2008. In 2009, he hit .331 with 25 homers, but the Reds were well out of first place.

Last season, the Reds went 91-71, and wrapped up the club's first playoff berth since 1995, and first division title since 1991. They were promptly swept out of the playoffs by the Philadelphia Phillies' brutal pitching staff.

Votto's victory prevented Pujols from winning a third consecutive NL MVP award.

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