It’s only Spring Training, but yesterday Joey Votto hit his first home run in a baseball game since June 24. That was two knee surgeries and one disappointing playoff appearance ago, in case you were counting.

The Cincinnati Enquirer’s video of the shot from the press box is below.

This is just great to see, and it has nothing to do with the Reds winning their first game of the Spring. Votto having his power back, along with his awesome everything else, makes this team so much more dangerous.

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Reds	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Indians	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	-	3	8	0

Boxscore

The Reds wrapped up their first spring training series yesterday when they lost to the Indians. In fact, it’s been three losses in a row to the Indians to start off this training season, but yesterday’s was special in that the other two were slugfests in which the Reds just happened to be behind when the innings ran out. Still, with 20 runs scored in the first 3 games, the Reds aren’t looking too bad for offense so far, on average.

Sam LeCure started for the Reds and had a real nice showing in his 2.0 innings of action. He walked a guy, but otherwise didn’t allow a baserunner. Next up was Manny Parra, who had similar results in 2.0 innings of work, only minus the base on balls.

Jose Arredondo took over in the fifth and gave up a hit, which was just what Logan Ondrusek did in the sixth. So far so good.

Josh Ravin was the unlucky one in the seventh, and he took credit for all 3 of the Indians’ runs before he could log the third out in the inning. Drew Hayes came in to finish off the inning before J.J. Hoover closed her down in the eighth. He gave up 2 walks in the process.

Jason Donald notched the Reds’ only hit yesterday when he singled with one on and one out in the top of the sixth. Neftali Soto walked to load them up, but then Xavier Paul and Ryan LaMarre struck out to end the Reds’ threat.

Brandon Phillips, Donald, and Soto each contributed a walk to the team’s OBP, and, never to be outdone in matters of on-baseness, Joey Votto walked twice. Votto has only 3 official at-bats in the first 3 games of spring training and has gotten on base at a .800 clip.

The loss brings the Reds spring training record to 0-3. Today they take on the Brewers. Armando Galarraga faces off against Tyler Thornburg.

The Spring Training season has started, and Shin-Soo Choo is gaining confidence playing center field for the Cincinnati Reds.

“But everyday I feel better with practice,” he said. “There’s still work to do. But I feel more confident.”

Granted, the former right fielder has only played a little bit, and exhibition baseball is nothing like when the games count, but it’s good that Choo has confidence in his ability to make the transition.

As expected, Reds manager Dusty Baker has the same confidence in his player.

“This guy is an athlete,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “He has a lot of pride. He works hard. He’ll be fine. We just have to preserve his legs.”

Choo has done well at the plate, too, showing some on-base skills that were completely absent last season from the lead-off spot. If this switch to center field works, this could be a very good season.

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Reds (0-1)	5	0	0	1	4	0	0	0	0	10	13	0
Indians (1-0)	3	1	3	0	0	0	1	0	3	11	14	0

Boxscore

The Cincinnati Reds started off the 2013 Spring Training season with a game against the Cleveland Indians. Although they both share Goodyear Ball Park, the Reds played the visitors this time.

The game was an offensive show, with a combined 21 runs and 27 hits, which isn’t uncommon early in the Spring. For the Reds, who started their expected opening day lineup, things started well.

Newly acquired lead-off hitter Shin-Soo Choo began things with a walk. I hope to see a lot of getting on base from him. The Reds went on to score 5 runs that inning. Joey Votto went 2-3, driving in and scoring one. Miguel Olivo and Devin Mesoraco both hit home runs.

The pitching wasn’t nearly as sharp, though. Tony Cingrani started and struggled. He pitched one inning and allowed 3 runs. With the exception of Clay Hensley, who allowed no runs in his 2 1/3 innings, the relievers weren’t any better.

The game ended on a walk-off, three-run double given up by Carlos Contreras.

The Reds and the Indians play again today at 3:05 p.m. The Reds will start Alfredo Simon, while the Indians will send out Brett Myers.