By John Fay and Kevin Kelly
Enquirer staff writers

Reds general manager Dan O'Brien has been upfront about his policy of not negotiating with free agents until after the season.

That hasn't prevented O'Brien from talking to representatives of pitcher Paul Wilson, shortstop Barry Larkin and infielder Juan Castro.

Wilson's agent, Alan Hendricks, was in Cincinnati three weeks ago and met with O'Brien.

"He expressed Paul's desire to remain with the Reds," O'Brien said. "We were in listening mode. They are well aware of our policy of not commencing negotiations until following the season."

No figures were exchanged.

"We've had similar conversations with all the representatives of our free agents," O'Brien said. "That's not unusual."

The Reds are confident they can re-sign Wilson, who will try for his 10th win of the season today.

Chief operating officer John Allen said as much when addressing a group Thursday in the Fox Sports Net Club 4192.

"We think Paul Wilson is going to be a Red next year and beyond," Allen said.

Wilson, 31, signed a two-year deal worth $4 million prior to last season when he went 8-10 with a 4.64 ERA in 28 starts. He is making $3.5 million this year.

TRAVELING MAN: A decade after he played alongside Ken Griffey Jr. as a rookie with the Mariners, Darren Bragg arrived in Cincinnati to take Griffey's roster spot Thursday.

He batted .239 with two home runs and four RBI in 13 games for Louisville after signing a minor league contract with the Reds on July 29.

"It's always good to go somewhere where someone knows you," said Bragg, who played with Reds director of player development Tim Naehring during the 1996 and 1997 seasons in Boston. "That was a big thing. This game has a lot to do with that. I liked the situation and knew Tim. He knows what kind of player I am."

The Reds are Bragg's ninth organization since 1994, and third this season. He elected free agency July 20 after the Padres tried to send him to the minors. In 869 career major-league games before Thursday, Bragg batted .258 with 42 home runs and 251 RBI.

TWIB NOTE: First baseman Sean Casey is hosting the next episode of This Week in Baseball.

The episode, which also will feature a look at Sparky Anderson and Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman, is scheduled to air at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Shortstop Barry Larkin was taken out of Thursday's game after hitting a single in the eighth inning. He experienced some discomfort in the area of his recent left oblique muscle strain.

Ryan Freel (sore right knee) pinch ran for Larkin and scored the go-ahead run. Larkin could return to the starting lineup today.

Outfielder John Vander Wal, who left Wednesday's game with soreness in his surgically repaired right knee, struck out as a pinch hitter to end the eighth inning. He is day to day.

ODDS AND ENDS: Pitcher Josh Hancock singled to center field in the third inning. It was his first major-league hit. ... Left fielder Adam Dunn has an eight-game hitting streak. Shortstop Felipe Lopez has a hit in his past seven games. ... Outfielder Javon Moran, acquired from the Phillies on Monday, made his debut at Single-A Dayton on Wednesday. He went 2-for-5 with a double. ... In his eighth start for Louisville, pitcher Dustin Moseley allowed five runs on nine hits over six innings Wednesday. He walked two and struck out six in the loss.