Scouting director Kasey McKeon said contract talks involving left-hander Jeremy Sowers, the Reds' No.1 pick in the amateur draft, are on hold while the Louisville prospect pitches for the U.S. National Junior Team.

        McKeon said Sowers, 18, probably will face Cuba — in Cuba — on Monday. Sowers is due to return home in the middle of next month, when negotiations should intensify.

        Armed with a full scholarship to Vanderbilt University, Sowers is expected to ask for a signing bonus of at least $3 million, which probably would put him out of the Reds' price range

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