THE SIDELINES : Braves Discuss Trading Murphy

The Atlanta Braves are discussing the possibility of trading Dale Murphy, the seven-time All-Star who is in the final season of a three-year, $6-million contract with the National League club.

“We’ve talked about it in general,” said Murphy, 34. “It hasn’t been anything specific. (General Manager) Bobby (Cox) has said he’s looking at the situation. Right now he doesn’t know where it might go.”

“We’re still listening to anybody interested in our players,” said Cox, who has expressed interest in obtaining a dominant right-handed relief pitcher.

Cox downplayed the possibility of a major move before Tuesday’s trade deadline, but scouts from the Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago White Sox attended the Braves’ series against the Astros that ended Wednesday.