Votto homers one pitch into his Blue Jays career
CLEARWATER, Florida: Joey Votto delivered his first moment of Canadian pride with the Blue Jays in just one pitch.
On Sunday at BayCare Ballpark, Votto made his Grapefruit League debut for the franchise he grew up idolizing. He faced Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler and hit a 392-foot home ball to deep center field. The moment was too fantastic to ruin, so the umpires huddled around to debate whether or not the ball rebounded off the yellow padding atop the wall.
Votto made a spectacular debut, despite not quite hitting the dismount perfectly. Suddenly, Votto was gone from the Blue Jays lineup as they went to play defense in the second inning.
Votto stated, “I stepped on a bat in the dugout by mistake, rolled my ankle, and it hurt like the dickens,” as Toronto and Philadelphia tied 5-5. I thus left the game, although unintentionally. I was supposed to receive three at-bats and play five innings.
Votto snaps his fingers and declares he’ll “be back real soon,” saying that Monday’s off-day will be all he needs to recuperate.
Votto quipped, “I wanted to leave on a high, leave everybody wanting more.”
With just one swing, Votto gave so much life and hope throughout the sweltering springtime days. For the Blue Jays, nothing like this has come out of Spring Training since a youthful Vladimir Guerrero Jr. walked off an exhibition game in Montreal on the eve of the 2018 season.
Votto’s game is mostly played over the shoulders. An excellent plate approach has resulted in a.409 on-base percentage across 17 Major League seasons. Votto has, however, adjusted and started aiming higher for this power later in his career. The importance of such component is even known to the man who has led the planet in walks on a few occasions.
Votto remarked, “I felt like I was chasing this swing.” “Somewhat phony are the pull homers. They are somewhat deceptive. Any extremely skilled batter will tell you that it’s difficult to fail when you keep the ball in the middle of the field or on the opposing field side with some power and line. Being unsatisfied is difficult. I’m overjoyed with that swing.
Toronto is also searching for that swing. It’s all very Canadiana, but the Blue Jays are focused on winning a World Series, not on being pretty. Votto is here because the club thinks he can contribute if he stays fit and everything clicks one more time.
Joey Votto discusses excitement of joining Blue Jays
Additionally, Votto has a new role. For the majority of his career, he has been the focal point of the Reds’ organization, enticing new managers and players into his orbit. He’s the new guy now, relying on knowledge he’s gained from notable players in the past. How have other players entered a brand-new clubhouse appropriately?
Votto stated, “That includes listening, playing hard, being a good teammate, and working every day.” No matter how quiet you are, those traits usually make people want to be near you. Having everyone close to one another and supporting one another is the ultimate goal. That is the essence of a successful team. Even though I’m a non-roster invitee into the thick of spring training, my objective is to be among the players heading for a title.
Votto has interpreted the terms of the “Minor League deal” literally ever since he moved to Dunedin, Florida. Although Votto sees himself as just another player attempting to make the club, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if a guy with his resume and a strong case for the Hall of Fame showed up at camp with a long list of expectations. He’s “putting himself out there.”
Joey Votto agrees to non-roster invite with Blue Jays
Votto should be back on schedule to start the season at Triple-A Buffalo if his twisted right ankle is as minimal as he anticipates. This would allow him additional time and opportunities to demonstrate to the Blue Jays that he is prepared for a season 18 in the major leagues. There is nothing difficult about this, according to Votto.
Votto remarked, “Baseball is the same everywhere.” Everything is the same worldwide as long as you have that tiny man on the back of your head and your jersey. That was my main objective. I am appreciative that it is located in Toronto. Buffalo? prolonged training in spring? New Hampshire? In the Florida State League, Dunedin? I’m game for anything.
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