It was easy to see how motivated Joey Votto was to move past a career-worst 2019 season when he arrived early to spring training for the first time in his career.
Entering his age-36 season, he was excited about the challenge. It was an opportunity to prove it was a one-year blip and he was still one of the premier first basemen in the league.
Nobody could’ve predicted a three-month hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but Votto’s motivation was still evident on the first day of preseason camp.
“I’m excited. I’m really excited,” Votto said.