After making another good trade yesterday, Theo Epstein is enjoying some much deserved love from the press. Rob Neyer admires Epstein's rookie campaign in his latest column:

"I don't really buy the notion that it's only now that Theo Epstein has proved his worth. In addition to building what now looks like a pretty good bullpen, isn't Epstein also the guy who, months ago, built a roster that's leading the major leagues in runs scored?

There's really not much more that Epstein can do. Sure, the Sox could use a quality starting pitcher, as neither John Burkett nor Ramiro Mendoza inspire great confidence these days. But whatever happens from this point forward, it's been a great first year for the youngest general manager in major-league history."

STOP THE PRESS

ESPN's Peter Gammons is reporting that the A's have just traded Aaron Harang and two other players to the Reds for Jose Guillen. The sounds like good news for Oakland fans. Michael Lewis will be able to digest tonight.

OH YEAH

The Yankees traded Dan Miceli to the Astros yesterday for a player to be named or cash.