Cincinnati Reds Spring Training rumbles on with two notable exceptions.

Lifelong Reds Joey Votto’s option was not picked up for the season and he has been forlornly missing Spring Training in a classic series of posts on social media. When it became clear he would not be invited by our management as a player this year he signed a minor-league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, in his hometown. He has the same positive attitude and baseball insight that endeared him to Reds fans like me. While I’m sure he will do well and I’m sure he can be competitive I wish he would accept a managerial role with the Reds and stay in our uniform. Maybe someday.

Noelvi Marti played a few games last year with the Reds with a hot glove at the hot corner of third base. Serious future prospect. Much was made about how overloaded our infield talent was this year but manager David Bell waved off concerns reminding us of injuries that strained us last year and the luxury of platooning skilled players at various positions. Mr. Marti was just suspended for the first 80 games due to the detection of Performance Enhancing Drugs in his system. He’ll be welcomed back but the platooning system just got a little lighter and we are better positioned due to our talent depth.

Still bullish on Reds prospects. Go Reds!