Joey Votto has shown for the past few years that he’s on the verge of being one of baseball’s top first basemen, and so far this season he’s proving his point by putting up better numbers than even Albert Pujols. For his efforts, Votto was snubbed by the main All-Star fan vote and by coach selection for reserves, but a late “Vote Votto” promotion helped fans recognize his efforts and make him the final player voted in for the National League roster. Unfortunately, nobody told him he’d be playing with any of those damn dirty Cubs.
Marlon Byrd was the lone representative for the Chicago Cubs at the 2010 MLB All-Star Game, and aside from eventual MVP Brian McCann, he had arguably the most important performance. With a full count and two runners on ahead of him, Byrd laid off a fastball to walk and load the bases. McCann then drove all three runs home. Then in the bottom of the 9th, Byrd threw out David Ortiz at second to keep the tying run from entering scoring position. The NL ended up winning 3-1, ending a 13-year skid. To most of his teammates, this was a great performance. To NL Central rival Votto, big freaking whoop, bro.
I’m not going to show appreciation for you getting this quote, ESPN.com:
