CINCINNATI -- With 11 days left until the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline, Reds shortstop Zack Cozart was done discussing rumors, choosing to avoid the issue on Thursday morning. Cozart occupies the same end-of-the-clubhouse locker that once belonged to Jay Bruce, who was dealing with heavy rumors a year ago at this time.
In the week leading up to his Aug. 1 trade to the Mets, Bruce homered in five straight games as he blocked out the distractions. Cozart, who was the starting shortstop on the National League All-Star team last week, appears poised to do likewise.