A late signing this offseason, veteran first baseman Joey Votto took the sphere with the Blue Jays for the primary time Sunday in spring coaching motion. He did not waste any time endearing himself to his new teammates, both, as he was first-pitch swinging and, properly, homering: 

It is positively bizarre seeing him in blue, however that swing seemed a lot acquainted. 

Votto was drafted out of highschool by the Reds in 2002 and spent 17 big-league seasons with them. A profession .294/.409/.511 (144 OPS+) hitter, he amassed 2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 residence runs, 1,144 RBI and 1,171 runs in his Reds profession. He contract with the Reds expired after final season and he sat round for a lot of the offseason unsigned. 

A number of instances by the offseason, he talked about his want to maintain taking part in and was noticeably holding out hope some staff would come calling, whilst late as March 5. 

Lastly, the Blue Jays signed him and it was probably the most enjoyable possibility on the board. Votto was born and raised in Toronto. He even wore a Blue Jays bib as a child. 

As for probably breaking camp with the Jays, the plan the Jays made public is that Votto will begin within the minors to proceed getting on top of things attributable to his late begin. Assuming he performs properly sufficient to get a glance, there is likely to be a gap within the lineup if the Jays plan to make use of Justin Turner at third base. If Turner performed first or served because the designated hitter, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could be taking no matter else was left between first and DH. With Turner at third, nevertheless, it will make loads of sense to have Votto obtainable both as a part-time starter or only a bench bat. 

Regardless, it was fairly cool to see Votto homer for his childhood favourite staff, even when the sport was meaningless.