Votto backs Larkin's call for Reds changes after season-ending home loss

Joey Votto voiced support for Barry Larkin's broadcast criticism that said Cincinnati lags well behind playoff-level teams.

Joey Votto, the longtime Cincinnati first baseman, publicly endorsed sharp comments made by Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, who works as a Reds analyst. Larkin's criticism came after a 9-1 defeat to the Chicago Cubs that closed out the club's home schedule at Great American Ball Park.

Larkin pointed to the closing stretch of the schedule, when Cincinnati faced clubs headed to the playoffs, as evidence of the gap between the Reds and the league's top teams. He argued that improvement is required, that the city's fans merit a better product, and that the organization has fallen far behind.

Votto responded on social media, writing "Captain Lark 100" in apparent agreement. In a June appearance on Reds.TV, Larkin had also said Cincinnati needs and deserves another title. Votto appeared Sept. 21 on MLB Network's "MLB Now," where he held a lively exchange with former Cubs manager Joe Maddon.