The Pirates have not yet initiated talks toward extending pitcher Mark Redman's contract, an indication they plan to trade him before the July 31 deadline.

Redman, the 31-year-old left-hander who has been the team's best starter in the first half, approached management in mid-June to seek a multiyear extension. But there has been no formal contact between the sides since then.

Two weeks ago, Redman said he would exercise his right to reject a club option for 2006 worth $4.95 million and become a free agent if he and the Pirates could not agree to a new deal. It is believed he would seek an extension of no less than three years with an average salary in the range of $7 million.

The Pirates have been in contact with Florida about a possible trade involving Redman, but it is not clear if the Marlins have done anything more than merely inquire about his availability. Redman was a member of Florida's World Series championship team in 2003.

Although there has been, at times, a strong sentiment expressed by some in Pirates management to keep Redman, that apparently has been superseded by a line of thinking that the organization already has a surplus of left-handed starters -- in the majors and minors -- and could better invest the money in another type of player.