Actually, instead of batting Joey Votto second, the Reds should bat Billy Hamilton ninth and Votto first until Hamilton can show he can get on base at a great clip:

Hamilton scores from first like clockwork on Votto’s doubles. And, if you’re worried about the opponent simply walking Votto after Hamilton steals second, understand they’d be less likely to do that with #19 batting second and no outs then if he’s batting third with one down. And if Votto does walk you’ve got runners at first and second with no outs instead of one. Either way, it’s better to have Votto’s AB occur right after Hamilton gets on.

One other point is that Hamilton’s strength as an offensive player is stealing bases. Batting a power hitter right behind him limits that strength. The probability of Votto hitting a double or home run is high enough that the Reds should not risk the out to get Hamilton in scoring position with Votto at the plate. Since Votto is a left-handed hitter, forcing the opposition to hold the runner creates more space for Joey to pull the ball for a big hit.

In a way, it’s much more important for Hamilton to get on base at a high clip if Votto bats behind him. While fans think of protection coming from the hitter batting next in the order, a high OBP player who forces defensive movement to prevent the steal and set up a double play does a lot to protect the next batter. A high OBP Hamilton who remains a threat to steal is probably more helpful to Votto than a Hamilton who steal quite often. Whether it’s ninth/first or first/second depends on where Hamilton’s major league OBP settles. We may not know that for another couple of years.