DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates have been discussing a trade that would send left-hander Denny Neagle to the Pirates in exchange for catcher Jason Kendall.

	Neagle

	Kendall

The Rockies, 42-46 at the All-Star break, also have been shopping their other high-profile pitcher, Mike Hampton.

Because his production hasn't matched his contract, Neagle has been the subject of numerous trade possibilities.

Neagle, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, wants to stay in the National League, preferably with a contender.

Neagle already has vetoed two trades to Detroit, the latest involving outfielder Bobby Higginson.

''It has to be a place that is desirable to me and my family,'' Neagle told The Denver Post last week in explaining why he exercised his veto.

The 33-year-old Neagle, demoted to the bullpen last week, is 4-6 with a 6.06 ERA. He is in the second year of a five-year, $51 million deal that guarantees him $37 million over its final three years.

Kendall also has a no-trade clause but is considered more likely to waive his, given his success at Coors Field and the presence of his father, Fred, on the Rockies' coaching staff.

The Pirates are believed interested in moving Kendall's contract. Kendall, 28, is in the first year of a six-year, $56 million deal that guarantees him $50 million over the final five years.

The Pirates view Neagle as a candidate to provide leadership for their young pitching staff and are concerned about Kendall's lack of run production this season.

Kendall, a career .302 hitter, has a .287 average this season with two homers and 26 RBI.

By trading Neagle and acquiring Kendall, the Rockies would save $2 million during the next two seasons, and it also would cost them less in deferred money.

Meanwhile, the Rockies were discussing a trade with the Texas Rangers involving Hampton, the Rocky Mountain News reported Tuesday.

Like Neagle, Hampton's hefty contract limits his desirability.

Hampton, 5-9 with a 6.73 ERA, is in the second year of an eight-year, $121 million deal that guarantees him $88 million over its final six years.

The St. Louis Cardinals also are believed interested in Hampton.

The News, citing sources close to the teams, also said the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks have approached the Rockies about the availability of reliever Todd Jones.