CHICAGO _ Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant isn't shy about his admiration of Reds All-Star Joey Votto.
"He's the best player ever," said Bryant, who was flattered this week when Votto told him his approach at the plate looked a lot better. "He's my favorite player. I love watching him. I love talking to him and picking his brain. He's a special player."
Bryant was baffled that Votto _ who walked three times in the Reds' victory Tuesday and scored the go-ahead run _ gets grief for taking pitches and not swinging more frequently.
"He's definitely a guy I look up to," Bryant said. "He's my favorite player right now in the big leagues."
Votto entered Wednesday's game with a chance to tie Ted Williams' major league record by reaching base at least twice in 21 consecutive games.
"It's not doing it this series but his whole career, which is impressive," Bryant said.
Bryant has only 54 RBIs, largely the result of a .227 batting average with runners in scoring position. But manager Joe Maddon believes Bryant will make up for lost time soon.
"I'm going to say by the end of the season, that number is going to look pretty good as he finishes off strongly and based on what I've seen right now," Maddon said.
