Joey Votto confirmed to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer that he's close to a long-term extension. "I can't comment till it's done," the 28-year-old first baseman said Monday afternoon. "You'll have to ask (general manager Walt Jocketty). It's a gray area." Tim Dierkes and Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLB Trade Rumors were first to report news of the deal, and are hearing that the total value "could surpass $200 million." Votto, the 2010 National League MVP, carries a fantastic .313/.405/.550 career slash line.