One characteristic that almost every player has is that they themselves are his biggest critics. Reds first baseman Joey Votto is arguably the best example of all.
Here’s what the slugger responded to a question five months ago during Spring Training: “It was clearly the worst season of my career. I think by far ”.
His .768 OPS in 2019 was 174 points off his 13-season career average. His .357 on-base percentage and .261 batting average were nowhere near their usual numbers (.421 on-base percentage and .307 career average).
One of the things we can be sure of in 2020 is that Votto will have an excellent season. And although it has only been a week, Votto has shown that it will be.
In fact, one of the themes in the first week is the number of players who have been conspicuous for their rallies after a somewhat disappointing performance in 2019.
Let’s look at the following seven examples:
Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
He’s definitely had the help of reinforcements Mike Moustakas and Nick Castellanos, who have added depth to the lineup. But Votto is also doing his part. For now, he shares second place in hits (eight) and has hit two home runs. Last year, he didn’t blow the fence a second time until his 18th game.
Giancarlo Stanton, BD / OF, Yankees
Three matches is a very small sample, but for someone who played just 18 games in 2019, it’s a great start. In those three games, he has a double, two home runs and a .545 on-base percentage. He’s barely 30 years old, so this could be the start of an impressive campaign.
Jon Lester, LZ, Cubs
This might be the most overreaction of the century, based on Lester’s 2020 being five no-hitter innings against the Reds. For Chicago fans, that was exactly what they expected of the veteran left-hander after a lackluster 2019. While it’s not the primary key to getting the Cubs back into the postseason, it’s definitely one of them.
Andrew Heaney, LZ, Angels
Speaking of overreactions, Heaney’s sample is even smaller than Lester’s. In his only start, he gave up a deserved run in 4.2 innings against the Athletics in a game Los Angeles-Anaheim later blurted out. Heaney will try to make more than 18 starts for only the second time, and for a team that is looking for quality pitching.
Adam Wainwright, RHP, Cardinals
He began last season acknowledging that some thought his career had lasted longer than necessary. That’s impossible, considering he has been one of the best pitchers in recent years. He performed well enough to be invited again in 2020, and in the first start of his 15th season, Wainwright held the Pirates to a deserved run in six innings to score his 163rd career victory.
Eric Hosmer, 1B, Parents
He has played in just three commitments, but for some it would be a whole week. No player has played better. In 12 plate appearances, he has five hits, seven RBIs and two walks. (GG) (Taken from MLB.Com)