I was one of those Reds fans that told you that he is not worth the money - not that he sucks. That may have been somebody else.
Votto was told by the owner and GM per interviews I heard (Cunningham did one with Jockety for example) to rethink his hitting approach so he can be more productive with his power and knocking in runs. Jockety's agreed in the interview that "we paid for Albert Pujols type production." High OBP is good if it is coupled with production numbers befitting the best hitter on a roster.
New manager Price has already told him how, which relates to his approach, and will have new hitting coach Don Long work on it with him. Joey did what he wanted to do last season instead of what the team needed him to do. Most of the fan base agrees and got pretty tired of it all. Joey has already agreed to moving to the 2 hole if he can't return to his previous form. His $20+ mill per year doesn't kick in until 2016, so they have time to monitor his progress.
And he cannot hold Mike Trout's jock strap at the plate or at positional D. Trout is premier at his position. Votto is adequate, but has glaring deficiencies fielding - refuses to get in front of hard hit balls, always fields to the side - and with his throws to pitchers covering the bag always being late and soft. Will see if the new manager/staff can effect positive change.