Reds' Votto spent offseason trying to 'get fatter'

The concept of showing up to spring training in the best shape of his life is not something that applies to Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto.

While most players enter camp after spending their offseason gaining the right kind of weight to add power, or losing pounds to up their speed and agility, Votto had a different objective in mind.

"I tried to get fatter," Votto told MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. "I succeeded at that apparently. We did all the testing, and I am fatter. I just wanted to take as much time away as I could and relax and really unwind. I felt like I needed it. Hopefully it pays off."

Votto, who finished second in NL MVP voting last season behind Giancarlo Stanton, didn't disclose how much weight he gained, but his MLB player's page lists him at 220 pounds.