The Cincinnati Reds are focused on trading for a high-end starter and/or middle reliever leading up to the non-waiver trade deadline, major league sources say.

At one point, Cincinnati was seriously considering a shortstop upgrade, but the impressive play of rookie Zack Cozart (.862 OPS in seven games) apparently has changed that thinking.

Cincinnati is among the many clubs interested in the Colorado Rockies' Ubaldo Jimenez. The Reds’ farm system is deep enough that they should be able to put together an offer worthy of consideration.

Meanwhile, sources said, the Reds have had internal discussions about a number of middle and setup relievers. The list includes Jim Johnson and Koji Uehara of the Baltimore Orioles; Jason Isringhausen of the New York Mets; Jason Frasor of the Toronto Blue Jays; and Todd Coffey of the Washington Nationals.

Cincinnati general manager Walt Jocketty is familiar with Isringhausen from their time together with the St. Louis Cardinals, and Isringhausen pitched in the Cincinnati system last year. Coffey was originally drafted by the Reds and pitched for them from 2005-08.

Seattle Mariners closer Brandon League is another intriguing option, since he could take over as the Reds’ closer in the event Francisco Cordero departs as a free agent after this season

— Jon Paul Morosi