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By Hal McCoy, Staff Writer 6:07 PM Thursday, October 1, 2009

CINCINNATI — Drew Stubbs doesn't resemble a world-class sprinter, doesn't look as if he can spot a jackrabbit 10 yards and catch it in a 100 yards.

If you don't believe Stubbs is nearly faster than the naked eye, take a quick look at the infielder who casually fields his ground balls and throws to first, only to discover Stubbs is across the bag.

Sheer disbelief.

Stubbs has 30 singles this year and 11 are infield hits, more than a third.

"Maybe at this level they get accustomed to guys not always running as hard as they can down the line," said Stubbs. "In my case there is a lot of hits to be had hustling down the line. I try to do that every time and once in a while you get rewarded.

"I had a good bit of infield hits in the minors, but the guys start positioning you a little bit different, like the corner guys start playing in a bit," said Stubbs. "Once you get the reputation, guys get it and get rid of it quick.

"When they do that it opens up more holes for me to hit through," he added. "Any way you look at it, being able to mix those in helps you out, can make a huge difference in your batting average."

Manager Dusty Baker realizes speed kills and loves seeing the speedy Stubbs blur by.

"He isn't going to keep surprising 'em," said Baker. "They'll shorten up in the infield and open up holes for him. Speed is a wonderful thing. It makes you hurry, it makes you make mistakes and makes you do things you don't ordinarily do. I welcome it, I love speed."

A productive month

Joey Votto says it was August more than anything that put him in a funk before September arrived and he began thrashing the baseball hither and yon.

August was the anniversary of his father's death last year and Votto said it remains difficult for him to get through that month.

"It was a matter of not being ready, not being in a position to hit," Votto said of his dry August. "It was causing me to miss all those pitches I was missing. It was a difficult month for me and I hate to say anything off the field had anything to do with on the field, but it really did.

"It was nice to get over the part of my life and concentrate on baseball again," Votto added. "But there is a major difference as to the way I was playing and the way I'm playing now."

In August, Votto hit .220 with four homers and 15 RBIs and four doubles. In September he had a club-record 16 doubles and since Sept. 10 he leads the league in hitting at .437.

A 'Sweet' deal

Louisville manager Rick Sweet is an extra coach with the Reds right now and he'll be managing winter ball in the Dominican Republic, "For the first time in nine years."

And Sweet is taking a gaggle of players belonging to the Reds with him to play for Aguilas (Jay Bruce, pitcher Ben Jukich, pitcher Sam LeCure, pitcher Jeff Kennard (of Centerville), first baseman Logan Parker).

And he is trying to get outfield Chris Heisey and first baseman Yonder Alonzo, "Although Alonso might be going to Puerto Rico," said Sweet. Of taking all the Reds property, he said, "I'll take as many of our guys as possible because that's why I'm going. They know me, I know them."

Quote of the day

"What am I going to do in the off-season? I'm going to have a baby. Well, not me, my wife. A girl. November 11." — Outfielder Jonny Gomes.

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Stubbs is a guy that has made a great impression on me, I thought he was going to be a bust,thought what a poor NO. 1 pick that was...until last year when he seemed to "get it" and started hitting. I hope he keeps it up; working hard and making the right adjustments. He seems to be a level headed kid as well judging from the comments I've read from him.I don't think he'll make people forget Tim Lincicum, but I'll take him everyday;he's turned me into a Stubbs fan.

Bob
10:41 PM, 10/3/2009

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