"This offseason could not be much more different for first baseman Joey Votto.

A year ago, he had just been named MVP. There were a lot of things that went along with that - appearances, press conferences. He was also negotiating a long-term contract. At Redsfest 2010, Votto's future was a huge topic.

This offseason, by comparison, has been very quiet.

"It's been totally different," Votto said. "It's been much more quiet, much more relaxing."

Votto is not a huge fan of media attention. But he would have gladly put up with some more of it - if it meant another MVP.

"The competitor in me wishes last season went better," he said. "You always want to play your best."

Votto, 28, had a great year by any standard - except the ones he set for himself in 2010. He hit .309 with 29 home runs and 103 RBI. He led the National League in on-base percentage (.416) and walks (110).

His slugging percentage dropped from .600 in 2010 to .531 in 2011.

But that was largely a product of not seeing nearly as many pitches."