"Now that Bronson Arroyo is in the fold until 2013, the Reds are ready for the really heavy lifting as far as contracts.

Arroyo agreed to a two-year extension that will pay him $35 million over the next three years. The Reds would like to lock up National League MVP Joey Votto to a long-term deal next.

Reds owner Bob Castellini is optimistic that the team can get that done.

"You know we want to get something done with all these guys," Castellini said. "We're taking it one day at a time. Whatever happens happens, but we feel Joey is going to be the face of the franchise in the future.""