Agreed - I'm just scared what he'll cost.

Votto will stay in Cin-city. He's the cornerstone of that team now, along with Jay Bruce. Dumping him would be giving up on 2010 before 1st pitch. Or, to put this closer to home, it would be like dishing Pedroia to be replaced by Nick Green. No chance amigo.

The only reason to allow him to retain captain title is the signal it gives throughout the club house. As for retaining Varitek - he more or less becomes a player-catchers coach to aid in the development of Martinez. He is - and has been for a few years - a total liability at the plate and now with his arm this is extended to the field. Additionally, teams have learned his love for calling the fastball and not making in-game adjustment choosing to stay with the game plan even when not working. They say no one works harder in preparation, but a bit more flexibility or scenario planning is warranted.

On another note, I'm hoping we can get Stephen Drew. great glove and an impact power bat that while lacks consistency is an upgrade over both Lowrie (who I like a lot) and other current options.

I'm guessing that it would take Lowrie and a quality prospect, perhaps Casey Kelly, given ARI's concerns about pitching. Assuming Theo & Co green light him based on their analysis I think that would be acceptable. The kid has a great glove (i think) and an inconsistent bat but his biggest liability is his agent - Boras the societal barnacle