Joey Votto says Reds lack mentors for Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart

NBC's Sunday Night Baseball broadcast for the Cincinnati Reds-Chicago Cubs series finale included analysis from former Reds great Joey Votto about what Cincinnati needs for young stars Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart.

"The more I succeeded, the greedier I got," Votto explained. "And I think that's what Sal has. I think that's what Elly has. I think clearly that's what (Pete Crow-Armstrong) has. And where I see the difference between the two teams: If you go out and sign an Alex Bregman, and you have a mentor that's in the middle of his prime. And he can check a PCA, and push a PCA. And let him know, 'Hey, I'm making $35 (million) this year, and you're going to do the same thing.' And I think that's partially what's missing in Cincinnati. One clear star."

"Is that Scott Rolen for you?" analyst and former Reds pitcher Jeff Brantley asked.

"Definitely," Votto replied. "Definitely. I also played with Junior. Ken Griffey Jr. The great Ken Griffey Jr. I played with several veteran players that were clear stars that helped mentor me. Some of them in the prime of their career."

Votto added that Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson remaining in Cincinnati at the trade deadline did help.

"Cincinnati is among the smallest cities in all of Major League Baseball," Votto added. "But we're also the first Major League team. The city has charm. It has history. We have the Big Red Machine. We have icons. Some of the greatest players in the history of the sport wore our uniform. Cincinnati needs to be a centerpiece place in Major League Baseball. And Tyler felt that. He knows it's a special place. ... And he's happy to stay."

Earlier in the broadcast, Votto said he had a pregame message he delivered to De La Cruz.

Votto also said he never listened to hitting coaches during his MLB career.

Before the game, Votto explained the impact a moment at Wrigley Field from early in his MLB career had on him.

Votto also shared a message with Reds fans in a video on his Instagram story ahead of the broadcast, to which he's contributing as an analyst.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Joey Votto says Reds lack mentors for Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart