"Many of the recent trade rumors about the Reds could possibly be false, but there is no disputing the fact that Reds general manager Walt Jocketty is in a buyer's mentality as the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline closes in.

"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."

Of course, this immediately begs the question -- who might the Reds be pursuing?

The two leading names linked to the club in various reports have been pitchers Ubaldo Jimenez and James Shields.

After starting for the National League All-Star team last year and winning 19 games with a 2.88 ERA for the Rockies, Jimenez has a more pedestrian 6-8 record and 4.00 ERA so far in 2011 for Colorado.

As for Shields, he has a 2.60 ERA and seven complete games for the Rays this season.

Both pitchers have something attractive in common besides their quality right arms -- both have affordable long-term contracts.

"I'm not going to be specific about guys, but 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."

Jimenez, 27, is being paid $2.8 million this season and is owed $4.2 million in 2012. He has a $5.75 million club option for 2013 and an $8 million club option for 2014 that can be voided if he's traded.

Being paid $4.25 million this season, the 29-year-old Shields has club options each of the next three seasons, valued at a combined $28 million. "