Now that I’ve recovered from making maps for Stubbs, Hanigan, and Phillips. This one is for the master of excellence, Mr. Joey Votto. Joey has an impressive take rate. He also has a great eye, and excellent contact skills. What would you expect from the man who, even though he was out 2/5 of the season, still sort of ought to be in the MVP discussion?

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Votto definitely sees a lot of pitches,with a 4.27 P/PA that’s good for 2nd in the NL, and higher than any other Red by far – the next best is Drew Stubbs’ 3.95.  But Votto also doesn’t really grind out at-bats. He also doesn’t put a lot of balls in play – but the ones he does seem to be hit pretty well, which is how he ends up with a league-leading .401 BABIP. Of course, Votto probably naturally should have a BABIP of around .350 – still high, due mostly to great pitch selection and bat control, but not quite  this high.

Unfortunately, it wouldn’t help many players to take up Joey Votto’s hitting strategy, it takes a special talent and probably some special practice and discipline at well. But it works pretty well for him.