HOUSTON — A Colorado Rockies source said that they have included Dmitri Young in their search for left fielders.

        It's no secret that the Reds would be willing to part with Young to clear both payroll room and a roster spot for Triple-A left fielder Adam Dunn, who hit his 15th home run in 36 games Saturday for Louisville.

        The Rockies have been trying to trade right-hander Pedro Astacio, who the Reds could use in their starting rotation. But his $6.85 million salary, which rises to $9 million next year, doesn't fit Cincinnati's budget.

        Creative solutions to such problems exist, though. Last year, the Reds were involved in a proposed four-way trade with Toronto and Oakland that involved Astacio and right-hander Scott Williamson. But the deal broke down on July 31, the final day before the non-waiver trading deadline.

        Since the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners also reportedly have expressed interest in Astacio, another multiple-team scenario could loom.

        Young didn't play Sunday, raising suspicions that he might be set to depart. And he has drawn attention from other teams.

        Not one, but two Atlanta Braves scouts were on the premises Sunday, though whether that reflects the team's level of interest in Young is subject to question. The Braves often ask their scouts to follow a team for a minimum of two series, at least partly explaining why Atlanta special assignment scout Jim Fregosi followed the Reds here from Cincinnati.

        Yankees scout Ron Brand remained in Houston, even though New York's acquisition of right-hander Jay Witasick from San Diego eliminated the need to evaluate Mark Wohlers. The Yankees want a corner outfielder/first baseman to provide a complement to Tino Martinez and Paul O'Neill — a description that fits Young.

Astros 7, Reds 5 Young draws interest from Rockies Boone's error opens door Astros' bullpen turn up the heat Eric Davis says this is his last season Reds box, runs

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