"Paul Janish has a leg up on the Reds' shortstop job for 2011, but Janish also could say that last year. Janish seemingly has a better chance to win the job this time, pending some payroll decisions that began Wednesday.

The Reds, as expected, picked up the 2011 options for right-hander Bronson Arroyo ($11 million) and outfielder Jonny Gomes ($1.75 million) and declined those of shortstop Orlando Cabrera ($4 million) and right-hander Aaron Harang ($12.75 million).

The Reds are considering bringing back Cabrera at a reduced rate. Even so, the younger (and cheaper) Janish could be the man.

"If we ended up going with Janish, I think everybody would be happy with that," general manager Walt Jocketty said. "We would have gone into the (2010) season with Janish if we hadn't signed Cabrera."

Janish was ticketed to start in 2010, but then the Reds signed Cabrera on Feb. 1. There were concerns about Janish's offense, as he was a .205 career hitter entering the season.

Janish, who turned 28 in October, set career highs this year with a .260 batting average, five homers and 25 RBI. After Cabrera went down in early August, the Reds went 18-9 with Janish starting at shortstop. Janish also is considered better defensively, and his price is low ($412,500 this year).

Cabrera, who turned 36 on Tuesday, hit .263 this season with four homers and 42 RBI. Most of his offensive numbers were down from his career averages, although Cabrera did miss a month with an oblique injury.

Regarding Cabrera, Jocketty said any contract offer may depend upon what the Reds do with other players. For instance, the Reds have eight players eligible for arbitration, including MVP candidate Joey Votto. The Reds also will work to bring back catcher Ramon Hernandez, All-Star reliever Arthur Rhodes and utility man Miguel Cairo, who are free agents."