I think you're reading more into this Q&A than what's there. He does this as a lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek thing, and Votto just didn't get it. After all, his first question to Joe Nathan in another of the "Answer Man" Q&As was "Can Mauer's sideburns be used as a flotation device."

 

I don't know that the writer has an actual axe to grind. It's no secret Votto's not an easy interview.

 

I think it started off light-hearted, but the writer felt dissed after Votto went to other, local outlets & talked about how strange the interview was.

I just dont think Votto has a sens of humor and after being voted in the all star game by 13 million people and then going 0 for 2 he probably wasnt in the best of moods to begin with. It was a combination of both but I like Votto's attitude with the media, cut and dry haha.

As a Chicago fan, I think it's ridiculous. The two play again in Chicago the 1st week of August, you think this might come up again?

 

Yep, I'm willing to admit that if it was Byrd dissing Votto/Reds, I would no attention to it. Votto having a breakout season, anyone who has watched the Reds isn't surprised, but the rest of the country doesn't know anything about him, until now. So while this story likely won't have any legs, not the best first impression to give people who are just discovering what a talent this kid is.

The nation may not recognize Joey Votto's name, but anyone who follows baseball knows who Joey Votto and has known about him for a few years now...

I love what Lance had to say today on 700 WLW. You don't think Bench, Rose, and etc. didn't say and feel this way back then? I like that attitude. And if Joey gets a ball in the back for the comments, I will say good. Thank you for putting him on base.

Gibson-esque

Joey Votto said he was joking when he made his “I hate the Cubs” statement after the All-Star Game.

“I was laughing when I said it,” he said. “I realized it was a Chicago reporter.”

“That being said, I respect all the Chicago Cub players. They’re some of the most professional in the game. I don’t have a problem with any of the Chicago guys. I enjoy playing against them. I just don’t like their fans. I can’t stand hearing that ‘Go Cubs Go’ song.

Votto said he did congratulation Marlon Byrd after Byrd’s key play late in the game.

“You can watch the video,” he said. “I gave Marlon a high 5 and patted him on the back. I was one of the first guys to congratulate him in Chicago when he was picked for All-Star team.

 

 

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2010/07/16/votto-on-cubs-comment-i-was-joking/

Marlon Byrd on Votto's comments.

 

 

That’s the competitiveness in Joey Votto,” (Marlon) Byrd said. “He’s an MVP candidate right now.

“He’s going to say what he believes. But at the same time, I don’t think any Cubs are going to be patting a Cincinnati Reds player on the back during the season.”

Byrd was asked if Votto is a particularly aggressive player.

“He’s a great guy,” Byrd said. “But when it comes to baseball, he’s like I am on the field, go get ‘em. I can smile at the opposing player, but at the same time, I don’t wish them well when I’m playing against them. I’m going to play against the Phillies. I’m friends with a lot of guys. Jimmy Rollins is my man, but he knows I’ll flip him if I have to.”

 

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2010/07/16/marlon-byrd-defends-joey-votto/

I tell you one thing about Marlon Byrd, he sure doesn't believe in a "home run trot." The guy busts around the bases like he's trying to beat a throw at home, even when the ball has left the ballpark.

 

And I would wonder about Votto if he enjoyed "Go Cubs Go" since they only play it after a Cubs win! :lol: