At 48-50, the Reds are only four games out of first place entering Thursday’s off day but they are looking up to three other clubs in the National League Central. So they are very much in the race, which has Reds general manager Walt Jocketty taking a buyer’s mentality heading closer to July 31.

“Oh yeah, definitely,” Jocketty said. “We would like to improve our club since it’s easier to do before the 31st. There is some urgency but not tremendous urgency. I still have a lot of confidence that we’re good enough to win but if there is a chance to upgrade the club, we would try to pursue it.”

Jocketty would not specify the player or players he is seeking to get as upgrades, but there is a type he wants.

“I’d prefer guys who are under contract for a while,” Jocketty said. “I’m not sure anything will develop. We’re trying to win this year but we want to stay full of talent so we know we can compete for years to come.”

– Mark Sheldon

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty normally attempts to keep any intentions on trades quiet. But this year, Jocketty feels like the market is dictating some of the silence.

“There’s little talk going on,” Jocketty said. “The GMs I’ve talked to have said the same thing. There’s not much happening.

“Clubs that are borderline don’t want to give up players, because they’re still trying to win games,” Jocketty said. “It’s getting harder and harder to make deals midseason, because clubs are trying to sell tickets and get people to come to the ballpark, and they don’t want to dismantle their clubs and erode their fan base. It makes it tough.”

The Reds have some potential needs at shortstop, left field and maybe a starting pitcher. But they could just as well work from within since they have strong prospects at Triple-A like SS Zack Cozart and OF/1B Yonder Alonso.

– Mark Sheldon