Votto, Cueto named MLB's best at break

The midseason accolades keep coming for Reds stars Joey Votto and Johnny Cueto. Although the latter was snubbed of an All-Star nod, he has been dubbed as one of the best pitchers in the game this year by many baseball experts. The latest is Dayn Perry of CBSSports.com. Perry recently published his top ten list of hitters and pitchers for 2012 at the midseason point in this post.

Here's what he had to say about Votto and Cueto:

Joey Votto, 1B - Cincinnati Reds: No debate permitted: Votto has been the best player in baseball thus far in 2012. Currently, the Cincy first baseman is batting .350, leading the majors with a .471 OBP and leading the NL with a .632 SLG. Oh, and he's also on pace to break Earl Webb's 1931 record for most doubles in a season.

Johnny Cueto, SP - Cincinnati Reds: Cueto may not be an All-Star, but he is one of the best pitchers in baseball this season (ergo, he should be an All-Star). Cueto ranks seventh in the NL in innings, fourth in ERA, third in park-adjusted ERA and second in complete games. So maybe he'll console himself over not making the All-Star team by winning the Cy Young.

That's high praise for both of these guys, especially in Cueto's case. While the Dominican native has surely had a fine season, I've seen many top five Cy Young ballots that haven't even included Cueto's name. So, to rank in the top four overall on Perry's list could be a sign of newfound respect for the right-hander -- particularly after getting left off the NL All-Star roster by Tony La Russa.