PHOENIX - Aaron Boone, the Reds' link to the labor negotiations in New York, hasn't heard much news to tell his teammates recently. Boone and other player representatives will participate in a conference call Friday, exactly a week before the Aug. 30 strike date. The Reds third baseman has been optimistic about a settlement all along, and the lack of recent progress hasn't changed that - even with a strike date looming.

        “I think this is one of those things that could go down to the 11th hour,” Boone said, “before we close the gap.”

        The Arizona Republic devoted a lot of coverage to the possible strike in Wednesday's editions. The Arizona Diamondbacks also are starting to hear from their fans, who don't want to see the defending world champions denied a chance to defend their title because of a strike.

        “I realized that if this happens, I'm not going to be able to show my face in public,” Arizona left-hander Brian Anderson said. “I mean, we're all going to be absolute lightning rods.”

        Said D'backs outfielder Luis Gonzalez: “About 85 percent of the guys live here. Do you think we want to go out in public and hear that we're nothing but greedy players?”

        Arizona is in a unique position. Attendance at Bank One Ballpark is up over 400,000 - the biggest increase in baseball. Twenty of baseball's 30 teams are down at the gate this year.

Diamondbacks 11, Reds 3 Reds Box, Runs Kearns hitting beyond his years Schilling strikes down Reds quickly Reds Notebook: Griffey misses another start Owners give ground on revenue sharing Boone optimistic about avoiding strike Bowden may face another fine Cardinals 4, Pirates 1 Astros 4, Cubs 0 Dodgers 4, Marlins 3, 10 innings Giants 3, Mets 1 Braves 6, Padres 3 Expos 13, Rockies 5

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