The Cincinnati Reds are interested in outfielder and pinch-hitter Mark Kortsay of the San Diego Padres.

The 36-year-old veteran is drawing interests because of his ability to come up big off the bench. In 81 plate appearances, he has 21 hits, good for a .292 average.

Not only is his production decent, but the Padres do not want to let go of Kotsay because of his leadership in the clubhouse.

The Reds, who stand one game back of the surprising National League Central division leader, Pittsburgh Pirates, feel that they could use the help from their bench and of course, with all the young talent they possess, they could use Kotsay's presence in the dugout.

In the past couple of years, Kotsay has bounced around from club to club. In the meantime, he has picked up postseason experience with the Oakland Athletics, in 2006, the Boston Red Sox in 2008 and most recently with the 2011 Milwaukee Brewers.

There is no doubt in Cincinatti's mind that they can make it to the playoffs. They have good starting pitching, a hell of a closer in Aroldis Chapman and some of the greatest young power hitters in Joey Votto and Jay Bruce.

Veteran pick ups down the stretch of the season could be vital in propelling a team into the playoffs and beyond. 

Though the trade seems unlikely right now, the Reds have a couple of days before the July 31st trade deadline to make the move happen.

Kotsay has played 16 years in the majors leagues with 7 different ballclubs. He was drafted in 1996 by the Florida Marlins as the 9th overall pick in that year's draft.