Commentary: Reds can reach playoffs with Votto setting tone

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By Doug Harris, Staff Writer 11:55 PM Wednesday, July 21, 2010

I got a chuckle out of the mini-controversy involving Joey Votto at the Major League Baseball All-Star game.

The Cincinnati Reds first baseman refused to acknowledge a great play by a Chicago Cubs outfielder because he didn’t want to get all chummy with someone from a division rival. It’s wrong — it was only an all-star game, for gosh sakes — but I loved it.

That’s what’s been missing on the Reds lo these many years. No tough guys. Not enough nail-chewing competitors. No throwbacks.

But after failing to produce a winning season since 2000, the Reds finally seem to have the right mentality to make a run this year — thanks to guys like Votto.

Another player who has that no-nonsense aura is the mohawk-wearing Jonny Gomes.

There’s plenty to like about these Reds. They’re much more athletic than they’ve been in years (no more lumbering Adam Dunn in left). Their starting pitching is beginning to look playoff-caliber. And they have enough good bats to scratch out runs when they need them, at least on most nights.

Another thing working in their favor is the slop residing at the bottom of the NL Central. The Reds have the easiest schedule in the league, based on records. Even if they don’t win the division, they can count on something other wild-card contenders won’t have: multiple series with the Pirates and Astros.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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