Joey Votto's new at-bat routine looks uncomfortable
Joey Votto is one of the best pure hitters in baseball. He's hit above .300 in every season but two, one of which he only played 62 games due to injury. The guy simply knows what he's doing a the dish, but he's confusing people with his new "routine."
Between pitches during Sunday's game, Votto was doing something, well, interesting. Instead of stepping out of the batter's box and adjusting his helmet or gloves, Votto balanced his bat between his legs and leaned over.
Players have strange routines at the plate. Nomar Garciaparra had one that was well known, but this is something few have seen before. Apparently Votto has a reason for doing so, though. Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis did us all a favor and asked Votto what he was doing.
Who knows if this is something the Reds first baseman will carry his "thinking" habit into the regular season when it begins next week, but hey, whatever works. This spring, Votto is batting .341 with two home runs and six RBI.
Additionally, he's been the center of two viral videos in a matter of a few days, so he's got that going for him, too.
