Though players often let the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline distract them, manager Bob Boone doesn't let it affect him at all.

        “My whole focus is on trying to win today,” Boone said Wednesday. “There'll either be something or there won't. I'm prepared for both.”

        Boone, who managed Kansas City from 1995-97, acknowledged that general managers have asked him to use players to “showcase” their skills for a potential trade. Asked if that has happened this year, Boone said, “Every year I've managed.”

        But Boone said a GM's request has little impact on how he manages a game, because “you use everybody anyway. You really don't do anything different. It's more (a matter of) being informed.”

        The Reds who have been mentioned most prominently in trade rumors — Dmitri Young, Pokey Reese and Alex Ochoa — would be in the lineup anyway. But Boone did say he might be more inclined to use a player who has been a subject of trade talks as a pinch hitter at a GM's behest.

        Managers aren't always asked to work that way. Boone pointed out that the Detroit Tigers didn't use reliever Todd Jones, who has been mentioned in trade talks, during their three-game series this week at Cincinnati. “I was rather curious about that,” Boone said.

        Boone wouldn't give an opinion on what the club needs or whether he'd like to see management make a deal. But he jokingly said of his son, the third baseman, “If I got the right guy, Aaron's out of here.”

Braves 3, Reds 1 Junior's plea: Don't cut costs Larkin may need surgery Boone will watch Rijo tonight Boone not bowing to trade rumors Reds box, runs Bonds hits Nos. 41, 42

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