Bravo Votto

And when the night is cold and dark
You can see, you can see light
'Cause no one can take away your right
To fight and to never surrender
--Corey Hart

Special shout out to Reds first baseman Joey Votto on the completion of a spectacular season--particularly considering the team's dismal endpoint.

Of all the eye popping achievements Votto booked this year, starting all 162 games--the first Red to do so since Pete Rose in 1975--stands out most. A couple years ago, knee issues caused Votto to miss parts of two seasons, casting doubt about his durability.

No doubts now about the smartest and hardest working player in the game today.