DETROIT — The growing rumors about a deal involving Scott Williamson, the Reds' Rookie of the Year reliever turned starter, aren't just idle speculation.

        Two sources familiar with trade talks said Monday the New York Mets and Oakland A's are among the teams that have discussed Williamson seriously with Cincinnati.

        The Mets could use help both in the starting rotation and bullpen, which makes Williamson's versatility at tractive. Oakland, which has been pursuing a starter, also is believed to have Reds right-hander Pete Harnisch on its shopping list.

        While some Reds officials still worry that Williamson will hurt his arm with his maximum-effort delivery, his youth (24), lively assortment of pitches (93 strikeouts in 68ô innings) and salary ($300,000, besides being two years away from arbitration-eligible status) make him attractive.

        STYNES SNUBBED: Despite hitting .588 (10-for-17) with eight runs scored in four games from Thursday through Sunday, Reds utilityman Chris Stynes failed to win NL player of the week.

        The honor instead went to Los Angeles left fielder Gary Sheffield, who hit .417 (5-for-12) with four homers and six RBI.

        TAUBENSEE'S WOE: Eddie Taubensee has continued to grope for the source of his season-long offensive struggles.

        A .289 hitter with the Reds from 1994-99, Taubensee entered Monday's game locked in a 4-for-43 skid that dropped his average to .250, his lowest figure since April 18.

        He didn't start Monday but replaced Benito Santiago, who suffered lower back spasms, in the bottom of the second inning.

        MORRIS IN: Manager Jack McKeon used the 11-year veteran Hal Morris as a designated hitter for the first time this year. Dmitri Young (three games) and Larkin (one game) served as DHs in the previous four interleague games at AL parks. Morris, who was used as a designated hitter in one game last year, hadn't played in the first five games of the road trip and hadn't started since May 24 at Los Angeles. He drew a career-high four walks that night.

        ETC.: Reds chief operating officer John Allen visited Comerica Park as he continues to glean ideas for the construction of Great American Ball Park.

        UP NEXT: Elmer Dessens (2-0) will make his third start in tonight's series finale against Detroit and right-hander Brian Moehler (6-5).

Tigers 3, Reds 1 Box, runs Mets need a shortstop: Larkin? Reds notebook Hall of Fame week NBA could have been home for Marty

Musketeers are rivals this time
Brown writes to defend loyalty clause
Loyalty clause is needed
Bengals cut CB Howard

• Return to Reds front page...