July 2011 - Cincinnati Reds Wiretap

The Reds may be close to a trade. The organization scratched Travis Wood from his start for Triple-A Louisville on Friday, sparking rumors of either a trade or promotion.

With Carlos Beltran traded to the Giants, interest in Astros outfielder Hunter Pence has increased, according to sources. Houston has continued to downplay its interest in trading the All-Star. The Phillies, Braves, Reds and Red Sox were among a group of six to eight teams discussing deals for Pence, sources confirmed.

The Indians, Blue Jays, Rangers, Tigers and Yankees are all believed to be in play for Rockies right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez. The Reds are believed to out of the race after they balked at Colorado's asking price for Jimenez. The Rockies reportedly asked for starting pitchers Travis Wood and Homer Bailey and either hard-throwing lefty Aroldis Chapman or catching prospect Devin Mesoraco from Cincinnati. Colorado isn't expected to lower their asking price for Jimenez prior to Sunday's non-waiver trade deadline.

The Reds are targeting Rays right-hander James Shields over Rockies righty Ubaldo Jimenez, according to a report by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

The Reds traded struggling left fielder Jonny Gomes to the Nationals for two minor leaguers on Tuesday, a move that opens an outfield spot for one of their best young hitters, according to an ESPN.com report.

Many are wondering if the Reds will enter the race for Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran. Cincinnati is known to be looking for a middle-of-the-order hitter. The Reds entered Tuesday's action four games out of first place in the National League Central.

The Reds are getting calls about right-hander Edinson Volquez ahead of Sunday's non-waiver trade deadline, according to a source. Volquez is 5-4 with a 5.93 ERA in 16 starts this season.

The Reds are still active in the race to land Rockies right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, according to sources. Jon Morosi of FOX Sports tweets that there doesn't appear to be a favorite for Jimenez at this point.

The Reds will remain buyers ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but their needs are ever changing. "It depends on which day," general manager Walt Jocketty said. Jocketty admitted that he'd like to add a leadoff man and/or a slugger. "Ideally, you're always looking for that guy who can mash in the middle of the lineup, put (Brandon) Phillips in a different spot, put (Scott) Rolen in a different spot," he said. "It's important to have a good leadoff guy. But right now if we could find the right RBI guy, that's what we'll be looking for."

In addition to targeting Colorado's Ubaldo Jimenez, the Reds are also looking at Houston's Wandy Rodriguez and a new leadoff hitter. Seattle's Chone Figgins and Oakland's Coco Crisp are options in the leadoff spot.