2010 N.L MVP Joey Votto: 10 Reasons Why He Could Win Another One
The votes are in and your 2010 National League MVP is the Cincinnati Reds Joey Votto.
The vote wasn't even close as Votto received 31-of- 32 first place votes. The Cardinals Albert Pujols finished a distant second and the Rockies Carlos Gonzalez finished third.
“It’s pretty fricking awesome to beat Albert Pujols for the MVP Award,” he said.
Votto, 27, hit .324 with 37 home runs and 113 RBI.
Pujols led the NL in home runs (42) and RBI (118), and Cargo led the N.L in average at .336, but Votto's team was the only one to make the postseason.
In just his third full year in the majors, Votto led the NL in on-base percentage (.424) and slugging percentage (.600).
Let's take a look at why Votto could compete for the next 10 MVP's.
1. Power
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His home runs have increased every season as a major leaguer, culminating in 37 this season. He has power to all sides of the field and doesn't lose his power on the road.
In 2010, he hit 18 homers in Great American "Small" Park while smacking 19 on the road.
The power numbers will stay above 30 for the foreseeable future.
2. Doesn't Have Giant Sized Ego
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Check out these quotes from Votto:
“When I was in high school, I was never the best player,” he said earlier this season. “When I was in the minor leagues, I was never the best player. Even when I was called up, I didn’t get a lot of attention. Nothing was given to me. I’ve always earned it. I’ve always worked hard since I was very young.
“I learned that from my parents. I learned that from trial and error. I tried to get by before, and that didn’t work well for me. I’m driven. I want to be the best. I want to reach my potential. The times when I feel myself giving in, getting sluggish or lazy, that’s when I know I’m not doing the right thing.”
He is humble and a guy that doesn't crave attention. He goes about his business the right way, and it seems as if he has a great head on his shoulders. Votto will never be a distraction to his team.
3. Excellent Glove
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He has really improved his defense in the past few years. He is now considered one of the best first basemen in the N.L.
He is terrific at scooping up a bad throw and has a ton of range for a first basemen. If it wasn't for a guy name Pujols, Votto might have received a gold glove as well.
For the season, Votto committed five errors and had a fielding percentage of .996.
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4. Best OPS in Baseball
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Votto was the best in the majors at getting on base in 2010. He had a 1.024 OPS, collecting 177 hits and 91 walks.
This is one of the best stats to measure the productivity of a player and Votto topped the list. He is very selective, and his patience has improved 10-fold from when he was in the minors.
Votto is the full package offensively. He hits for average, power and can spray the ball to all sides of the field. He is the ideal No. 3 hitter.
5. Durable
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Votto has been very durable in his first three-plus seasons in the big leagues.
He had a stint on the D.L. when he was battling depression for 31 games in '09. But that seems to be behind him, and he only missed a handful of games this season.
No knee issues. No wrist or forearm issues. No tendinitis. This one could change at anytime, but there is every reason to believe that Votto is in peak shape physically.
6. Only 27
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Votto was drafted back in '02, but he took some time adjusting to professional baseball. He was called up in September of '06 and hasn't looked back. His batting average, RBI and home run totals have increased every year. His OPS have jumped over 100 points in the past three seasons.
Who's to say that Votto's number won't increase next season? Votto has the potential to improve again next season. If the Reds could acquire a lead-off man that consistently gets on base ahead of Votto, his RBI numbers would outrageous.
Votto put up MVP numbers in '10, but he could do even better next season.
7. Excellent Base Runner
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Votto is a very smart base-runner. The Reds were one of the best teams at advancing from first-to-third on singles. Votto was one of the leaders in this category, and his hustle gave the Reds the extra runs all the time.
He had 16 stolen bases this season after having a combined 12 in his career before '10. He isn't a speedster, but he is savvy on the bases and can read a pitchers pick-off move with the best of them.
I fully expect Votto to steal even more than 16 bases next season.
8. Ability To Hit on the Road
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I mentioned earlier how Votto hit more home runs on the road than at home. He hit .349 on the road compared to .297 at home. That's huge. The vast majority of players need that home crowd to fuel their performance. Almost every major leaguer performs better at home than on the road.
Votto's ability to hit on the road is a unique talent to have, and one that every team in the majors would like.
9. He's Canadian
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Votto has joined the likes of Larry Walker, Justin Morneau and Eric Gagne in great players from Canada.
The Toronto native still has family in our neighbors from the north, and he represents Canada proudly.
Baseball needs a slugger from Canada; Votto is that guy.
10. Votto Is the Whole Package
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Votto is a complete player. He puts in the work in the weight room and in the film room. He works on his defense daily in the offseason. He has become a stolen base threat.
He can do it all on the baseball field, and it's not by accident. He is an extremely hard worker that certainly deserved the 2010 MVP trophy. He is the first Red to win the award since Barry Larkin did it in 1995.
He isn't satisfied. Votto and the Reds got only a taste of what the postseason is like this season. Sure he had a season good enough to garner MVP honors, but Votto is by no means satisfied.
Congrats to Joey Votto and expect him sign a mega deal with the Reds sooner rather than later.
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