Quote from Aramis Ramirez on stating he will opt for free agency this winter instead of exercising his option with the Cubs for 2012:
"We were the worst team in 2006, and in 2007 we went to the playoffs," he said. "So you can get better if you want to. But you have to go out and get some quality players. It's my priority to stay here, but they have to show me they want to be better."
Ramirez's stats this year: 2011: 25 HR, .308 BA (6th), 92 RBI (8th)
My guess is Votto is thinking the exact same thing about his time in Cincy.