The three big trades of the day were the Red Sox picking up Jeff Suppan, the Yankees getting Aaron Boone, and the Giants acquiring Sidney Ponson. Let's start with Suppan.

Suppan, like Jose Guillen, is having a career year. Prior to this year, his lowest ERA in a year in which he pitched 100 innings was 4.37. He's never been a strikeout pitcher and he ususally gives up a good number of HR. His walks are usually between 2.5 and 3.0 per 9 IP. This year, he's gotten those down to 2.0. He's also reduced his HR rate by 45%. Is it real? There's a good chance it's the park in Pittsburgh. He had a 2.88 ERA in Pittsburgh and a 4.36 ERA on the road. He's probably better than Mendoza, but I would not be surprised to see him get pounded at Fenway.

The Yankees were getting nothing out of the third base position. They led the league in walks at the position, but that was about it. Since June 1, Yankee third basemen have combined for a .222 BA (39/176) with nine doubles, one HR and 25 RBI. They did draw 23 walks, but that still is not a very good OBA. Boone had two good years in 2000 and 2001. Looking at his range factor and zone rating, he looks to be above average, although he does make errors. If he can keep his OBA at .330, he'll be an improvement. The Yankees weren't doing badly with Ventura playing; I'm not sure that it was really worth losing Claussen to pick up Boone. Of course, I suppose you can blame this all on Drew Henson not developing into a major leaguer.

Sidney Ponson is now part of the Giants staff. Like Suppan, he's having a career year, and he's going to be a free agent. Like Suppan, he's having a good year both preventing walks and HR. He's cut his HR rate by more than half compared to his career numbers. Of the three trades, I think this is the best one.

The Red Sox and Yankees look like they are going to fight to the death. I get the feeling that the management of the Red Sox is on a mission to win no matter what. Epstein's made some very good trades. It's going to be a fun stretch run.