ATLANTA — The last-place Reds are still worth watching — to scouts from other teams, that is.

        Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, San Francisco and Seattle were among the clubs sending representatives to the Reds' series opener Monday night against the Atlanta Braves.

        Reluctant to add payroll, the Braves have not been expected to make any significant deals before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline. This indicates that the Reds were the focus of the scouts' attention, though Cincinnati already has been active in the trade market by dealing outfielders Alex Ochoa and Michael Tucker.

        San Francisco and Seattle have been looking for an extra bat, which explains their interest in the Reds and Dmitri Young. Seattle already has scouted Young extensively.

        Reds general manager Jim Bowden's counterpart at Baltimore is his former mentor, Syd Thrift. Cincinnati therefore has maintained open lines of communication with that club. Cleveland and Detroit have been regular trading partners.

Reds 5, Braves 4 Scouts examine Reds trade bait Reitsma to miss next turn in rotation Reds box, runs

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