Cincinnati Reds Press Clippings February 17, 2017 THIS DAY IN REDS HISTORY 1909-The National League no longer allows umpires to fine players and begin to require relief pitchers to retire at least one batter before being relieved. MLB.COM Seasoned Votto embracing new wave of players By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com | @m_sheldon | February 16th, 2017 + 59 COMMENTS GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- A former National League Most Valuable Player, one of the game's best hitters and at 33 years old, Reds first baseman Joey Votto is also one of the club's longest-tenured players. Votto realizes that might prompt a fleet of younger, newer teammates to feel like they need to give him deferential treatment. Votto doesn't want that, however. "That can be a bit uncomfortable, because I'd just like to fit in," said Votto on Thursday, the report day for Reds position players at Spring Training. "But that passes quickly. It happens at the initial meeting and goes away. Some take the opposite spectrum and go, 'Pfff, who cares about this guy?' That's great, too." Spring Training 2017 has the rebuilding Reds missing the presence of Jay Bruce and Brandon Phillips after both were traded. Votto misses the teammates who have come and gone over the years, but is embracing the new wave of players. "It can be odd sometimes looking around the clubhouse and seeing certain players I used to play with not around," Votto said. "But I'm really excited about the next group. I'm excited to share future winning with them." Following a notoriously slow start to 2016, Votto finished with a .326/.434/.550 slashline, 29 home runs, 34 doubles and 97 RBIs. He led the NL in on-base percentage, and was second in OPS and walks. The slow start -- he was batting .213 on June 1 -- and a decline in his defensive play left Votto hungry to improve his overall game over the winter. But he also realized he needed to pump the brakes a little bit first. "Last offseason, I was bordering on getting burned out, so I needed to take some time off," Votto said. "I didn't train anywhere like I normally would. But I felt different this year. I felt excited to get back into working on a consistent basis. I enjoy work. But it was a weird point in my career where I felt like I had been doing the same thing every single year. I just needed a breather, and I didn't feel that this past offseason. I was excited to get into the work and do what I can to be able to come into camp and compete with my teammates and improve the quality of every aspect of our game." Votto has never been a vocal leader in the clubhouse and didn't plan to increase his voice this season. Last season, however, he did make quieter contributions, such as helping Billy Hamilton with his hitting before games. Leading by example is more Votto's style. "I think just doing my job and coming out to work every day and putting in an effort on things that keep me on the field, that's what players feed off of when it comes to other people's actions," Votto said. "I found the same thing with playing with Scott [Rolen], and playing with Brandon. I learned from their actions. I think that's something I will be able to do here." Cozart optimistic despite playing in limbo By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com | @m_sheldon | February 16th, 2017 + 7 COMMENTS GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Reds shortstop Zack Cozart knows from the first day of camp in 2017, he is in the same unsettled situation former right fielder Jay Bruce was in during 2016. Cozart, who can be a free agent after this season, could be traded at any time by his rebuilding club. "I didn't know what to expect this offseason, whether I was going to get traded or not," Cozart said on Thursday as Reds position players reported to Spring Training. "It just so happens that the shortstop market is not that great right now. I'm glad to be back with the Reds. I want to win with the Reds. I've won here before. I've been on teams that won. It's fun. I want these young guys to feel that." Playing in limbo isn't easy, as Cozart observed, and there was a trade in place for Bruce to go to the Blue Jays when camp opened a year ago before it fell through. There was also a rumor later that Bruce might go to Baltimore. The drama finally ended Aug. 1 when Bruce was dealt to the Mets for two players, including infielder Dilson Herrera. "I wouldn't be shocked if stuff like that came up with me during Spring Training," said Cozart, who avoided arbitration by signing a one-year, $5.325 million contract Jan. 13. "I try to block it out as much as possible. I just want to get out there and play." Reds manager Bryan Price praised Cozart's professionalism throughout the ordeal of uncertainty. He's also counting on him greatly for as long as he's on the team. "He's awesome, because he's a team player," Price said. "He's all about winning; he's tough. He plays the game the right way. He's a student of the game. He's really a necessary piece. We're really trying to make some significant leaps this year, and I think it's hard to do that without a semblance of experience, leadership and performers." Cozart, 31, rebounded nicely last season from a catastrophic right knee injury that required reconstructive surgery in June 2015. In 121 games, he batted .252/.308/.425 with 50 RBIs and a career-high 16 home runs. He did not play a game after Sept. 10, because of tendinitis in the same knee. This season, Cozart will be playing without the bulky knee brace he had to wear all of last year. "The knee is 100 percent," he said. "It's the first time since my surgery that I can just say, 'I'm good.' I didn't say it a lot last year, but there wasn't a day that I felt good during the season." Brandon Phillips was traded to the Braves on Sunday, meaning Cozart's new double-play partner at second base will be Jose Peraza. Cozart looked forward to teaming with Peraza, who has a locker just a couple of stalls away. Earlier this week, Peraza noted he would eventually like to play his natural position, which happens to be Cozart's. It did not feel awkward for Cozart, however. "I know he wants to play shortstop, but he'll have to wait a little while for that," Cozart said. "I know what I can bring to the team. Everyone here has seen me play and knows what I can bring. That's all that matters. I hope that I'm still with the Reds on the next winner and that's hopefully this year." Mark Sheldon has covered the Reds for MLB.com since 2006, and previously covered the Twins from 2001-05. Follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon and Facebook and listen to his podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. CINCINNATI ENQUIRER Reds' ticket theme packages offer bobbleheads, FC Cincinnati scarf Dave Clark , [email protected] 10:05 a.m. ET Feb. 17, 2017 The Cincinnati Reds are offering special items only available with the purchase of ticket theme packages for the 2017 season, including bobbleheads, a 1975 World Series replica ring, a commemorative Oktoberfest mug, a Grateful Dead Terrapin figurine and an FC Cincinnati and Reds scarf. Featured promotional items are not gate giveaways and only offered while supplies last. The packages are on sale now at reds.com. More from the Reds (with more photos below): All promotional items listed below are only available with the purchase of a Theme Ticket Package, while supplies last. FC Cincinnati Ticket Package April 14-16 vs. Miami Marlins Rise together and show your Cincinnati Pride! This ticket package includes a limited edition FC Cincinnati & Reds scarf and a 2017 FCC Game Ticket voucher plus a Reds ticket for your choice of games during the April 14-16 weekend. Packages start at $20: reds.com/FCC MARVEL Super Hero 1 Ticket Package April 21-23 vs. Chicago Cubs To celebrate MARVEL Comics, this package includes an exclusive Guardians of the Galaxy Rocket Raccoon bobblehead plus your ticket to your choice of games during the April 21-23 weekend. Packages start at $30: reds.com/Marvel STAR WARS™ Ticket Package May 5-6 vs. San Francisco Giants May the Force be with you as we celebrate STAR WARS Weekend at the ballpark! This package includes an exclusive Stormtrooper bobblehead plus your ticket to your choice of games May 5 or 6. Packages start at $30: reds.com/StarWars Grateful Dead Ticket Package Friday, May 19 vs. Colorado Rockies (7:10 p.m.) Dead Heads, unite! Be a part of Grateful Dead Night at the ballpark on Friday, May 19. This package includes an exclusive Grateful Dead Terrapin figurine plus your ticket to the Friday, May 19 game. And don’t miss the post-game fireworks show set to a Grateful Dead soundtrack! Packages start at $25: reds.com/GratefulDead MARVEL Super Hero 2 Ticket Package June 2-4 vs. Atlanta Braves To celebrate MARVEL Comics, this package includes an exclusive Iron Man bobblehead plus your ticket to your choice of games during the June 2-4 weekend.