Reds Rumors: Cincinnati has Long Wish List

Cincinnati Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty will look to make several improvements to their roster by the trade deadline, according to a report from John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

"We’d like to upgrade leadoff, cleanup and the bench — and if we can — help our pitching a little bit," he said.

"I’m not sure if any of it is possible. But that’s what we’re trying to do."

The Reds won their fourth-straight game last night and are now tied with the Pittsburgh Pirates for the lead in the National League Central. The St. Louis Cardinals are just 2 ½ games back.

With that tight of a race any improvements could make the difference, but Jocketty admitted that it’s likely to be a seller’s market. With the second Wild Card in play, there are only 10 teams who sit more than five games out of a playoff position.

The Reds were busy this off-season, trading away several valuable pieces to acquire pitchers Mat Latos and Sean Marshall, leaving the farm system a bit bare.

Jocketty would not confirm any reports, but Fay mentioned Carlos Quentin, Juan Pierre, Mark Kotsay and Denard Span as potential trade targets for Cincinnati.

At Red Reporter, other players who fit the team's needs and could become available were offered up. Among the additional names discussed were David DeJesus, Reed Johnson and Jason Bourgeois.

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What should the Reds' top priority be at the trade deadline?

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