MLB Network ranks Cueto, Votto among top 10

Joey Votto is the fourth-best first baseman in baseball, and Johnny Cueto is the sixth-best starting pitcher, according to MLB Network.

MLB Network aired two new episodes of its "Top 10 Right Now" show on Thursday, with the first two Reds featured in the series. All three outfield positions and shortstop have been featured in previous weeks, all without a mention of a Reds player.

Cueto appeared on the list for the first time — the offseason show is in its fourth year.

The list for starting pitchers is:

1. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers

2. Felix Hernandez, Mariners

3. Chris Sale, White Sox

4. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals

5. Max Scherzer, Nationals

6. Johnny Cueto, Reds

7. Corey Kluber, Indians

8. David Price, Tigers

9. Madison Bumgarner, Giants

10. Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals

The show featured two analysts - MLB Network's Brian Kenny and former Braves starter and closer John Smoltz. Kenny had Cueto ranked seventh and Smoltz had him sixth.

Votto was ranked fourth among all first basemen, despite playing in just 62 games in 2014. Votto had been ranked second twice in the past three years and first in 2013.

Here's the full list:

1. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers

2. Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks

3. Jose Abreu, White Sox

4. Joey Votto, Reds

5. Freddie Freeman, Braves

6. Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays

7. Anthony Rizzo, Cubs

8. Mike Napoli, Red Sox

9. Adrian Gonzalez, Dodgers

10. Carlos Santana, Indians

Kenny had Votto ranked fourth, while former big league first baseman Carlos Pena said he had him ranked eighth.

Reds players could be featured in each of the remaining four episodes. Next week features the top 10 relief pitchers and second basemen, while the final week will debut the lists for third basemen and catchers.