The Colorado Rockies appear prepared to renew efforts to acquire Reds infielder Pokey Reese before Tuesday's non-waiver trading deadline — unless they complete another significant deal first.

        A Rockies source said Friday that they'd consider Reese if they can't obtain shortstop Edgar Renteria from St. Louis. Colorado has been trying to trade right-hander Pedro Astacio for weeks, and St. Louis is among several teams interested in him.

        Colorado wants a veteran shortstop to replace Neifi Perez, dealt Wednesday to Kansas City in a three-way deal that also involved Oakland. The source said that the Rockies aren't content to replace Perez, a productive hitter, with rookie Juan Uribe, despite public statements to the contrary.

        Both Renteria and Reese are enduring subpar offensive seasons but have proven capable of greater production. Renteria is hitting .228 this season but entered this year with a .283 lifetime average. Reese, who is batting .221, hit .285 in 1999 and .255 last season. Winner of the last two National League Gold Glove awards for fielding excellence at second base, he has started 40 games at shortstop, his natural position.

        Reese, mentioned in trade rumors as early as April, was dangled in front of the Rockies last month before talks cooled.

        Talks about a multi-year contract for Reese, who earns $3.2 million this year and is eligible for free agency after the 2002 season, ceased long ago.

        “When Pokey asked that we not talk about (a contract) this season, it was with the understanding that the consequence of this may be that the Reds have to trade him,” said Mike Nicotera, one of Reese's agents.

        The New York Post reported that the New York Mets would seriously consider trying to trade for Reese if they could dump shortstop Rey Ordonez and his $19 million contract, which runs through 2003.

        Tuesday's approaching deadline made the presence Friday in Cincinnati of scouts from two contending teams, the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins, noteworthy. Though both teams have scouted Reds left fielder Dmitri Young, they've also sought pitching help. Florida starter Matt Clement, who faced the Reds Friday, has been mentioned.
       in trade speculation.

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