Cincinnati Enquirer reporter John Fay wrote a little bit about one Joey Votto yesterday, and as usual, Votto came off as more focused than your average bear.

“My only complaint is the number of meetings we have,” Votto said. “Other than that, I think the pace goes well and guys get enough work in. I don’t think there’s any excuse come season time to not be ready.”

Yup, Votto likes practicing the fundamentals, and it sounds kind of like he’d get pissed off at teammates who loafed and messed up because of it.

“It could happen in the middle of June when we’re tied for first in a big game against Adam Wainwright. It’s important to start here and build from here.”

So it’s a good thing Votto wasn’t on the team for most of the 2000s, otherwise I’m pretty sure his stare of disapproval would’ve withered everyone on that error-prone team.

As has become Cincinnati Reds’ manager Dusty Baker’s custom, today he announced that the 2012 Opening Day starter would be Johnny Cueto. If you’ll remember, last year he selected Edinson Volquez before any games were played.

Dusty Baker confirmed what he’s said this winter: Johnny Cueto will start Opening Day.

My reaction to hearing this news was to utter a quote from The Wedding Singer. No, it probably wasn’t the one you’re thinking of.

They’ll be divorced in a year!

Yeah, that’s the one. Given Cueto’s youth and success with the team, though, I kind of doubt he’ll flame out like Volquez did and be traded away. Really, the only question concerning Cueto after is his ability to stay healthy. But if he isn’t on the disabled list come the start of the season, then he’ll already be ahead of last year.

The long dark tea-time of the soul is finally over: baseball is back as pitchers and catchers reported to Cincinnati Reds Spring Training camp today.

Expect lots of artsy-fartsy photos of baseballs and players working out from odd angles for the next week or so. Oh, and the perennial players looking and feeling in the best shape of their lives.

It’s a tale as old as time, and despite the cliche of it, I’m happy to have it back.

The first player feeling healthier than ever report came today concerning one Bronson Arroyo.

“The ball feels better coming out of my hand in long toss,” he said. “Off the mound, it’s a little harder to tell. But as far as long toss, I’m definitely feeling better. This is as healthy as I’ve been in a long time. My arm’s always been healthy. But my back’s been banged up for years. I think that’s affected flexibility.

“I’m as healthy and flexible as I’ve been in a lot of years.”

After Arroyo’s worst professional year last year–10.3 hits per 9 innings, 2.1 home runs per nine innings, and an ERA+ of 77 (100 is average)–he better be in great shape, or he’s not going to last in the rotation for very long. I don’t care how much his salary is, I bet the team will have him on a short leash, considering their all-in moves this off-season.

Arroyo has always had a slower-than-average fastball, but last year it fell from around 90 to the mid-80s. He’s hoping that his preparation will improve his speed.

“I’ve got nothing else to give it. I gave myself this entire offseason to try to rejuvenate some of that zip. If it’s not there, it’s not going to be there. Between now and mid-spring, I should be able to see — by the time I throw three, four innings.”

I hope it is there, otherwise this all-in season could quickly become a bust.