The argument for Joey Votto hitting first in tonight's Reds news

In tonight's Reds news update, the Cincinnati Reds know the superstar they have on their hands in Joey Votto - even more so after his absence with a quad strain.

However, Steve Mancuso of Redleg Nation believes that Votto's value could spike even farther if the team were to bat him in the leadoff spot:

Joey Votto’s numbers with respect to plate discipline, pitch selection and a high on base percentage are well documented. Batting him first would take advantage of what he does best, which is getting on base. Votto has led the National League on OBP the last four seasons, dating back to 2010. The Reds would start every trip through the lineup with a hitter who gets on base more than 40 percent of the time.

And Joey Votto would bring power to the top of the lineup. While his home run numbers have fallen from 2010, his power is still a significant asset. Votto hit 24 home runs in 2013, good for tenth best in the NL. He was on pace for that before his quad injury this season.

Detractors will most likely say that Votto has too much power to bat leadoff. Having his bat near the middle of the lineup theoretically increases his RBI opportunities - especially in the National League.

It's a very interesting case that Mancuso is making, though. New manager Bryan Price showed that he is willing to move Votto up the order when he slotted him second earlier this year.

Would he really be willing to move him one spot further up the order? Only time will tell.

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