Votto discusses pride for Cincinnati in Q&A

In a recent sit-down with MLB.com at Citi Field, Reds first baseman Joey Votto discussed a wide range of topics, from his love for Cincinnati to wanting to win a World Series title in the Queen City.

MLB.com: Even though the team is off to a slow start, I have a feeling that good things are going to happen for this team. Do you agree with that assessment, and why?

Joey Votto: I’ve thought since Spring Training that we have a strong club. We are going to continue to add talent. I don’t like the way we started. I don’t think anybody in here likes the way we started. This is a different team than in years past. I think by the end of the season, we’ll be in the [postseason] mix.

MLB.com: How is this team different than in years past?

Votto: Our pitching is significantly better. Our offense is better and we have some guys who are coming into themselves as Major Leaguers. We are seeing it in Jesse [Winker] and several other guys on the team. Most importantly, I think we are going to continue to get some help, too.

MLB.com: You talk about how this team can be in the mix. Do you think it can challenge for the division title?

Votto: I think this team -- come September -- is going to be in the mix for a playoff spot and then, from there, who knows? I’m very excited about the prospects of our team this year.

MLB.com: Talk about some of those young guys that are on the team. Who has impressed you?

Votto: We have lot of guys. We are watching Jesse Winker become a Major League player. We are watching Michael Lorenzen, who is an extremely versatile player. We are going to have some guys called up that will be able to show themselves. It’s an exciting time.

MLB.com: Mets manager Mickey Callaway said that Winker is possibly the Reds’ best hitter. Do you agree with that assessment, and why?

Votto: He has played very, very well this year. We are going to need him to perform excellently to be competitive this year.

MLB.com: [Reds top prospect] Nick Senzel was called up Friday. How excited are you to see another young buck come here and challenge?

Votto: Very exciting. ... I hope he plays well and helps our team win. It’s an important time to make sure we get back up to .500 and move on from there.

MLB.com: You have five more years left in your contract. How much do you have left in the tank?

Votto: I think as long as I feel I’m having a good time, as I feel that I’ve performed at a level that is acceptable and fun, I’ll keep playing for as long as I can. It’s kind of TBD.

MLB.com: You are off to a slow start. How do you think you are doing?

Votto: I’m leading off. … It’s a bit of a challenge to have a lot of RBIs. But I’ve never been one to chase that. There is a lot of season to go.

MLB.com: What do you want to accomplish during the rest of your career? What’s ahead?

Votto: I would like to get to 2,000 games played. Maybe get up to 2,500 games played. I would like to enjoy myself for the rest of my career.

MLB.com: Are you enjoying yourself?

Votto: I have been. There have been stretches where it has been challenging, but I think every player has that. It has never taken away from my appreciation of having the opportunity to play, to be able to compete. Most importantly, during that next stretch of ball, I would really like us to be a competitive team. I would really like to finish my career by being part of a World [Series] championship team for the city of Cincinnati.

MLB.com: Have you enjoyed yourself overall in your career?

Votto: Very much so. I enjoy the combination of challenges, overcoming challenges. I enjoy playing and hanging out with guys and getting to know new people. I’ve learned a new language. My career has been very rewarding in my life.

MLB.com: When you say learning another language, what do you mean?

Votto: Spanish.

MLB.com: How proud are you that you speak Spanish?

Votto: I found it was a necessity to get to know my teammates.

MLB.com: When you say you want to have fun for the rest of your career, what does that include?

Votto: Winning. Performing well and enjoying my teammates.

MLB.com: And you think you are starting to do that?

Votto: I think I’ve done that, more or less, my entire career. I'd like to continue that, but most importantly, I would like to win a championship or two before my career is done. There would be no better way to give back to a city that has been so good to me.

MLB.com: In 2012, you signed a long-term deal to remain in Cincinnati. What does the city mean to you?

Votto: It’s very close to my heart. I love everything about it. Every time we go home, I’m excited. It has been a very good city to me. I’m proud of the uniform I wear. You can’t get me to say a bad word about it.

MLB.com: What is it about Cincinnati that you love?

Votto: First of all, it’s the only thing I know. It feels like home. I love the fans. I love the city and how they respond to a winning club. They love baseball -- first and foremost. I’m hopeful we are giving that back to them in the near future.

MLB.com: You were born in Canada. Did you ever think you would love a city like Cincinnati?

Votto: When I was drafted and signed by the Reds, the second I arrived in Sarasota, Florida, and started rookie ball, I felt at home. This is what I wanted to do. I’m very fortunate.

MLB.com: I want to talk about Canada. You have the Toronto Blue Jays. Do you think Canada will have another team?

Votto: Like the Expos?

MLB.com: Yes, correct.

Votto: It could. It depends if the market demands it. It’s really tough to open up in a new city with a new stadium and not have enough support. I don’t think Major League Baseball wants to do that. I, as a player, don’t think I want to go to a city and play somewhere that has limited support. I think … baseball does its very best to make sure that there is a long-term, lasting future in any city it selects.