Jocketty ready to start building

CINCINNATI -- Let the Hot Stove season begin. With Wednesday's conclusion of the World Series, the intrigue about potential offseason maneuvers, trades and free-agent signings really takes off.

The General Managers Meetings start on Monday in Dana Point, Calif., and provide the first opportunity for face-to-face trade talks among club executives. Reds GM Walt Jocketty, who spent 13 years in the same post with the Cardinals, often likes talking deals with his counterparts at the GM Meetings.

"It's normally a place we start laying the foundation and see what people are talking about," Jocketty said on Thursday. "You don't often make the trade there, but you start laying the groundwork."

The Reds are most in need of some right-handed hitters, with at least one of them able to play left field. The organization is deeper with younger talent than in past years, especially with starting pitching -- something often coveted around the league.

Names and teams will be linked throughout the winter as the rumor mill heats up -- especially during the GM Meetings.

"A number of trades I've made were first discussed at the GM Meetings and made during the Winter Meetings," Jocketty said. "The Jason Marquis and Adam Wainwright trade with Atlanta [in 2003] was started at the GM Meetings but finished at the Winter Meetings. With Mark Mulder, the talks with Oakland started at the GM Meetings and finished after the Winter Meetings. With Jim Edmonds [in 2000], we talked at the GM Meetings and didn't get it done until Spring Training."

Speaking of Mulder, Jocketty provided an indication that a left-handed starter might also be on the Reds' wish list. The oft-injured Mulder was acquired by Jocketty and the Cardinals in December 2004.

"I've always liked Mark Mulder, and I'd at least be interested in checking out his health status and seeing what his interest is in coming here," Jocketty said. "We could certainly use a left-handed starter, but we'd want to see if he's healthy."

St. Louis confirmed last week that it would not pick up Mulder's $11 million option for 2009, which will make him a free agent.

Shoulder problems have limited Mulder to 12 2/3 innings the past two seasons, and he hasn't pitched 200 innings since 2005. He told MLB.com earlier this week he wouldn't consider signing anywhere until he's physically able to pitch the way he's capable.

In the meantime, Jocketty has continued talks with several of the Reds' own free agents. The club will have nine but is likely to talk with five -- David Weathers, Jerry Hairston Jr., Jeremy Affeldt, Mike Lincoln and Javier Valentin.

"We've just basically talked to them to see what their position is," Jocketty said.

The club has prioritized bringing back Weathers and Hairston, but Jocketty said no offers have been tendered yet. Eligible players were able to begin filing as free agents on Thursday.