Quote: "When [Reds GM Jim Bowden] called me up there yesterday, I walked in and I said, 'You didn't do it, did you?' He said, 'I had to. This deal's been on the table for a week now.' " -- Closer Jeff Shaw, on learning that he'd been traded to the Dodgers on Saturday.

It's a fact: Reds players put the numbers of four traded teammates on the railing of the dugout, and Barry Larkin, who had removed the small "C" from his uniform designating him as team captain, replaced it with the four numbers and a question mark.

Who's hot: Todd Helton has five homers in his past 10 games. He has 13 for the season, a Rockies rookie record.

Who's not: The Diamondbacks' Willie Blair leads the majors with 12 losses.

On deck: Rico Brogna is on a pace to drive in 130 runs, which would be the most by a left-handed-hitting Phillie since Chuck Klein had 130 in 1932.

Pub Date: 7/06/98