ST. LOUIS — The Reds' talks with reliever Jeff Shaw continue, but they are about to enter a critical stage: discussion of money.

        “I talked to (Reds general manager) Jim (Bowden) last Sunday night and again (Monday),” said Shaw's agent, Joe Bick. “We had some good conversations. We're about to get into the meat of it.”

        Bowden will not comment on the negotiations, but the fact he is still talking to Bick means the Reds are serious about signing Shaw.

        The sides were well apart on money as talks broke off in spring training. Shaw's side proposed $1.5 million for this year and $4 million deferred over 10 years. The Reds' counter, which came months after Shaw's offer, was for $300,000 in 2002 and $3 million in 2003.

        The climate has changed in the interim, however. The Reds are in first place with a chance to contend for the National League Central title, and Shaw has gotten no offers from other teams that were much better than the Reds.

        “We're trying to move this thing along,” Bick said.

Cardinals 7, Reds 3 Reds Box, Runs Shaw talks get serious Reds Notebook: It's Almanzar by default Reds-Marlins Series Preview Cards' pitching dominates again Angels 6, Royals 3

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