Winter Signings

During the month of December the Reds organization made a couple of contract signings with their players. The big one was signing Jay Bruce to a six year deal worth fifty-two million. Another smaller deal was made with Miguel Cairo.

I was really happy to see the Reds keeping Miguel Cairo for at least another year or two. He really proved his worth last season by stepping it up every time he was put into the game to replace a starter. He always seems ready to play and that is great for a utility player.

I wasn't so happy about the Bruce signing however. Don't get me wrong I think he is a good player, I was just hoping that the Reds would lock up Joey Votto for a long time. Maybe the Reds felt since Votto just had an MVP season he would be too expensive, but giving all that money to Bruce just seems like a giant risk to me. To me Bruce is still a little bit unproven. He has only been in the Majors for two full seasons and both of the seasons he had some big ups and downs.

I still remember when Bruce sprang into the big leagues he was sensational. He really caught my eye then, and not trying to bring him down but wow he was on fire. I know it would be almost impossible to keep that up for a whole season but if he could then his contract would be worth it.

Congrats to Joey Votto

I know this is old news, but I wanted to give Joey Votto a huge congrats on receiving the 2010 National League MVP award. It was very well deserved in my opinion. Votto was in the top in most of the batting categories and his defense has greatly improved. He is becoming a complete player.

He seems to be able to turn it up a notch when the situation calls for it. I'm thinking about the game in Dodger stadium this past season. I think it was in July or August, it was the top of the ninth inning and the Reds held a slim one or two run lead. Votto comes to the plate with runners on second and first. There was two outs. Votto fell behind in the count with two quick swings and misses. Then he turned up his concentration and worked the count full. He fouled off several pitches before singling to left field that scored a run. I jumped up from my seat when he that single it was so dramatic.

I remember before the MVP was announced I was talking with my dad about who he thought would win the MVP. He was pretty certain it was going to go to Pujols again. But I argued that although Votto wasn't the top of offensive categories he was up there in almost everyone. But another big factor was the Reds made it to the playoffs and the Cardinals didn't.

Once again Congrats Votto, and I am looking forward to 2011.