DATA: 2006 Tristar Prospects Plus ProTential (P-11)

ACQUIRED: From www.checkoutmycards.com

PING: This is the first minor league card of Joey’s that I’ve picked up, and it’s one of the better looking ones out there. Most of the minor league sets from Tristar and Just Rookies (whoever makes those) are just not that appealing. Some of the minor league team giveaway sets are nice, and I need to track down some of those featuring Votto.

His time with Chattanooga in 2006 proved to be a pivotal point in his career, putting up .319/.408/.547 for the season, earning him a promotion to AAA Louisville the next season. Joey tore up the International league in 2007, getting a call-up in September… and the rest is history.

DATA: 2006 Bowman Chrome Xfractor (FG8)

ACQUIRED: ‘bay

PING: Shiny! Shiny! Shiny! You love it. Numbered out of 299, this card is bringing the brilliance. Don’t let it blind you while browsing vottoTRON.

DATA: 2006 Bowman Chrome Gold (FG8)

ACQUIRED: ‘bay

PING: This card right here is NUCLEAR Chrome. How about that scan? Retina burning, huh? You love it though, don’t you? Yeah, I know you do. This sucka is numbered 31/50… so it’s a little on the rare side. Just the way I like it.

DATA: 2006 Bowman Gold (FG8)

ACQUIRED: At the Big Red Machine Reunion

PING: Yet another Bowman parallel crossed of the list. The versions will never end will they?

DATA: 2006 Bowman Relic (FG8)

PING: A Bowman “1st Bowman Card” for Mr. Votto. Nice little relic from the jersey he wore in the 2006 Futures Game in Pittsburgh. He went 1 for 2 in the game.

DATA: 2006 Bowman Chrome

ACQUIRED: ‘Bay

PING: Chrome. Sweet. What else can I say?

DATA: 2006 Bowman

ACQUIRED: From my homeboy Brad over at Cincy Reds Cards

PING: Probably one of Joey’s first cards among the big manufacturers. Not a bad one, either. The photo features him playing in the 2006 All-Star Futures game in Pittsburgh where he went 1 for 2. Homer Bailey also played in that game.