Should Votto bat second?

There is an interesting column in the latest issue of Sports Illustrated making the case for MLB teams' best hitter, and specifically Joey Votto, to bat second on the lineup card. The article argues that by hitting second in the order, Votto would create more runs for the Reds because he wouldn't be behind Zack Cozart, an easier out. By Votto following Shin-Soo Choo in the order, the Reds would have more opportunities for the middle of the order to drive in runs with fewer outs and better base path situations. The article also argues that Votto would see a few more plate appearances each month, and hitting at the plate in more intense situations late in games.

I actually agree with this new age strategy for the batting order. Of course, Dusty Baker almost assuredly will not change his current lineup, which has remained in tact since Ryan Ludwick went down, so this suggestion is probably not even worth discussing. Hypothetically, if Votto moved to second in the order after Shin-Soo Choo, here is what the new batting order could look like:

Shin-Soo Choo

Joey Votto

Brandon Phillips 

Jay Bruce 

Todd Frazier

Xavier Paul

Zack Cozart 

Ryan Hanigan/Devin Mesoraco

Pitcher

This lineup does seem more appealing in terms of run production. There is no easy out in the top half of this Reds batting order, and the lower half has some formidable hitters as well. The lineup would put less pressure on Cozart to produce consistently with his above average hitting ability. This batting order just balances out the Reds' strengths better, and when Ryan Ludwick returns, he could be inserted into either the fourth or sixth spot in the order, moving Bruce and Frazier down a spot, or not changing the hitting positions at all. If I was the manager of this team, I would try this batting order out for a few games. What is there to lose? The Reds aren't hitting too well lately, scoring more than 4 runs zero times since May 31. Cincinnati needs a solution to its hitting woes if it seeks to keep up with baseball's powerhouse, the St. Louis Cardinals. Moving Joey Votto to second in the order could fix a lot of problems.