By Kevin Kelly
Enquirer staff writer

The Reds' policy of not negotiating contracts during the season isn't preventing the team from thinking ahead.

Internal and external discussions regarding Cory Lidle's future in Cincinnati contributed to a four-player trade with the Phillies on Monday.

The Reds received two minor leaguers and a player to be named later in exchange for Lidle, 32. The right-hander, who becomes a free agent after this season, was 7-10 with a 5.32 ERA in 24 starts.

"But in talking internally with all of our baseball operations and field staff it was our feeling going forward that it was unlikely Cory was going to re-sign with us," Reds general manager Dan O’Brien said.

A recent conversation between O'Brien and Lidle's agent Jordan Feagan apparently re-enforced that feeling.

"I had explained to him our policy about not negotiating contracts with free-agent players until the end of the season. He was respectful of that," O'Brien said.

"But in the course of the conversation he also shared some items with us that gave us an indication this was not a likely signing for Cory with the Cincinnati Reds going down the line."

Feagan said his conversation with O'Brien was cordial and exploratory in nature.

"We've never had anything but pleasant conversations," Feagan said.

"That (policy) was the only thing that was ever brought up because, at some point in the season, I just wanted to find out how that worked.

"He explained to me that it wasn't personal. It was just policy."

The Reds signed Lidle to a one-year, $2.75-million contract during the off-season.

Lidle snapped a five-game losing streak with a win against the Rockies Sunday. But the Reds' Opening Day pitcher was just 1-5 with a 6.98 ERA in his past seven starts.

While the Phillies, who are in the thick of the National League East and wild-card race, add a much needed veteran arm to a hurting rotation, the Reds received center fielder Javon Moran and left-handed pitcher Joe Wilson.

Moran, a fourth-round pick in the 2003 draft, was hitting .285 with 39 stolen bases in 101 games with Single-A Lakewood. Wilson, a 13th-round pick in 2003, was 4-7 with a 3.64 ERA in 24 games including 19 starts for Lakewood.

Both will be assigned to Single-A Dayton.

Monday's trade also allows the Reds to move Josh Hancock out of the bullpen and into Lidle's spot in the rotation. He is scheduled to start against San Diego on Friday at Great American Ball Park.

Cincinnati acquired the right-hander from the Phillies on July 30. In three relief appearances, Hancock is 2-0 with a 6.75 ERA.

"His career has been as a starter," O'Brien said. "The only reason he was in our bullpen is because, at the time, we did not have an opportunity for him."

The Reds also will make a roster move prior to today's game against the Dodgers to fill Lidle's spot.

Relief pitcher John Riedling, who has been on the bereavement list following his father's death Aug. 2, is expected to return.

"We're hopeful that the roster move would involve John Riedling, but we're all very sensitive to what he has just gone through," O'Brien said.

O'Brien denied Monday's trade signaled the Reds have conceded their playoff hopes.

Cincinnati is seven games behind the Cubs in the NL wild-card standings. Five teams separate the two clubs.

"We feel like we're still a contender," O'Brien said. "But in all honesty we acknowledge we're seven games out. We acknowledge there are six teams in front of us.

"And we know that we need to play better as a team to make up ground. That opportunity is there."

Youth served in trade

Here is a look at the players the Reds received from the Phillies for pitcher Cory Lidle. The Reds, who plan to assign both players to Single-A Dayton, also will receive a player to be named later:

• Outfielder Javon Moran, 5-11, 175, Bats right, throws right

Moran, 21, was Philadelphia's fifth-round pick in the 2003 draft. He was batting .285 with two homers, 73 runs, 38 RBI and 39 stolen bases for Single-A Lakewood in the South Atlantic League.

• Left-handed pitcher Joe Wilson, 6-3, 195

Wilson, 22, was selected by the Phillies in the 13th round of the 2003 draft. He was 4-7 with a 3.64 ERA over 19 starts and five relief appearances with Lakewood. He allowed 74 hits and had 89 strikeouts and 49 walks in 94 innings.