Sparing a thought for Joey Votto...

You probably read Joey Votto, the Cincinnati Reds' Canadian first baseman, is on the disabled list with stress-related issues. It's worth passing along what his manager, Dusty Baker, said about the hidden side of sports stardom.

"Sports is one of the few professions where you reach your goal at a very young age ...Most guys reach their goals between their 40s and 50s. Maintaining a balance in your life can be a very tough thing. The game can become all-encompassing, day and night. It wakes you up in the middle of the night. It does me and I'm not even playing."

Votto is the third major-leaguer in two months to need time off for mental health issues, along with St. Louis infielder Khalil Greene and Detroit Tigers left-handed pitcher Dontrelle Willis.

There is no timetable for the 26-year-old Votto's return. What Baker said does call to mind a good piece of advice that should be related to people at that stage of their life: Whatever is stressing you out, please keep in mind that 75% of your life is still ahead of you. It's way too early in the game to worry.