ekansekans's blog: "df"

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- Reds first baseman Joey Votto will have surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee, leaving the NL Central leaders without their best hitter for the next three to four weeks. Authentic Jordy Nelson Jersey . The 2010 National League MVP hurt the knee while sliding into third base June 29 in San Francisco, but has continued playing. Votto, from Toronto, started for the NL in the all-star game last Tuesday. A medical exam Monday night detected the tear and Votto will have arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday. General manager Walt Jocketty said Votto didnt have an MRI earlier because the first baseman didnt think he needed one. "He didnt request it until then," Jocketty said. "He said it wasnt a problem until the last couple of days." Votto decided to have the surgery. Jocketty said its a simple procedure that takes only 20 to 30 minutes. "It is in my best interest and in the best interest of the team to do it now so that I can be healthy during the last two months of the pennant race," Votto said in a statement. Votto is batting .342 with 14 homers and 49 RBIs. He leads the NL in doubles, walks, on-base percentage and extra-base hits. "Well see what we can do internally, initially," Jocketty said. "But its going to be difficult to replace Joey Votto." He went hitless in his first two games back from the All-Star game then had a single and an RBI double during a 4-2 win over St. Louis on Sunday night that moved the Reds into sole possession of first place in the NL Central. The Reds didnt immediately make a move to replace him on the roster. Cincinnati has been in first place for 46 days because of its pitching and the NLs top defence. The Reds have used only five starters, a modern franchise record this deep into the season, and their bullpen is the best in the league. The offence has struggled, ranking in the middle of the league, and the loss of Votto costs the team its most consistent hitter. Votto was named MVP after the Reds run to the NL Central title in 2010, but Cincinnati got swept by Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs. He received a 10-year contract extension before the start of this season that added $225 million to his deal. Now, the Reds will find out just how much he means to the franchise. They lost their first game without him, 5-3 to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night. "Hes an MVP, a Gold Glover. What more can you ask in a guy?" said Todd Frazier, who filled in at first base. "Injuries are huge in baseball. Hes got that presence. Whenever he is out there, he can do damage." Reds starter Bronson Arroyo saw Votto shortly before the game and got the bad news directly. "He looked funny," said Arroyo, who lasted only three innings. "I said, Are you playing? He said, No, I need surgery. At this time of year, if we can keep pressure on the other teams in our division and stay in the race -- if we can weather the storm -- he could give us a lift when he comes back." Instead of having a mainstay at first base and the No. 3 spot in the order, manager Dusty Baker will have to get creative. Theres no obvious replacement on the roster or in the minors. Bakers first inclination was to have Frazier, who is Scott Rolens backup at third base, play more at first. "Thats a good possibility," Baker said. "Hell play some third, some first. (Miguel Cairo) will play some first. Hes an outstanding first baseman. Well mix and match depending on offensive and defensive matchups." The challenge is to stay in contention until he gets back. "Weve got the guys who can do it," right-fielder Jay Bruce said. "The pressures on, but weve got to step up. Im confident that we have those guys on the team. "Look at the Dodgers. They lost Matt Kemp, but they weathered the storm. Its early enough that we can weather the storm." Youth Charles Woodson Jersey . Canucks supporters quickly left Rogers Arena in downtown Vancouver following the 4-2 loss to the Kings on Wednesday night, and now statistics from the Vancouver Police Department confirm fans were a well-behaved bunch. Marshall Newhouse Jersey . Kubel hit two of Arizonas four home runs to help the Diamondbacks beat San Diego 8-5 Saturday night, snapping a seven-game losing streak against the Padres. http://www.thegreenbaypackersgear.com/charles-woodson-jersey . Ferguson said Arsenal is negotiating with other clubs about van Persie, with a perceived preference of selling to a non-English club, but said "we just have to persevere, hopefully it will come our way. Authentic Aaron Rodgers Jersey . It will be the second time that the 25-year-old will serve as team captain in his international career, also doing the honours on the 2010 World Championships team. The Indianapolis native, acquired by the Blue Jackets on Feb. James Starks Jersey . LOUIS -- Giants manager Bruce Bochy expects Marco Scutaro to be in his lineup card for Game 3 of the NL championship series, two days after St. LA QUINTA, Calif. -- South Koreas Meen Whee Kim shot a 5-under 67 on Friday on PGA Wests Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course to maintain a one-stroke lead after the third round of the PGA Tour qualifying tournament. The 20-year-old Kim had an 18-under 131 total in the six-round event. The final top 25 and ties will receive 2013 PGA Tour cards and the next 50 and ties will earn Web.com Tour cards. Swedens Robert Karlsson was second after a 65. The 11-time European Tour winner also played the Nicklaus course. Edward Loar was 16 under after a 66 on the Nicklaus course, and two-time PGA Tour winner Vaughn Taylor had a 69 on the Nicklaus course to top the group at 15 under. Camilo Villegas, a three-time winner on the tour, had a 66 on the Nicklaus course to jump from a tie for 233rd to a tie for ninth at 13 under. Nick Perry Jersey. Ross Fisher also was 13 under after a 65 on the Nicklaus course. Ottawas Brad Fritsch, who already has his PGA Tour card for next season but is looking to improve his standing, shot 66 on the Nicklaus course and sits tied for 17th, seven shots off the pace. Two-time heart transplant recipient Erik Compton was also tied for 17th at 11 under after a 68 on the Nicklaus course. Matt Hill of Brights Grove, Ont., shot a 73 on the Nicklaus course and is tied for 84th at 4 under. Meanwhile on the TPC Stadium Course, Adam Hadwin (68) of Abbotsford, B.C., is tied for 98th, Mitch Evanecz (73) of Red Deer, Alta., is tied for 132nd, Calgarys Ryan Yip (74) is tied for 137th and Roger Sloan (75) of Merritt, B.C., is tied for 142nd. ' ' '