The prediction I made that there would be more trades after the "deadline" than before is looking on track. Granted, there were more trades AT the deadline than I expected, but with the Larry Walker and Josh Phelps deals, I think we're only seeing the beginning.

The Walker deal is good, if dangerous for the Cards. The unknown of the deal is not what the Rockies get, but what they gave. Walker has one more year on his deal and is exceptionally expensive at this stage in his career. Despite Neil DeMause's discovery that New Busch may not be as expensive as first thought, it will still likely cost the Cardinals Edgar Renteria in the end. This Cardinals team is LOADED, but it may be a 'one and done' team, at least in this iteration.

No, I have no idea what the Josh Phelps trade is about. It surprised me as much as anyone, but I'll assume the Blue Jays know something I don't ... but the Indians are smart too.

Who else might be headed elsewhere? Bret Boone hasn't hit waivers yet, but surely will and could be an expensive claim. The M's would love to lose Boone's contract, but would be tough for them to give up another player without return. Kansas City got Mike Sweeney through, but he has a no-trade, so this isn't surprising and happened last season without a move. The Reds are expected to try and get Wilson and Lidle through, but I haven't heard that they've hit the wire yet. Matt Lawton, Geoff Jenkins, and Cliff Floyd are probably the biggest hitters to watch for.

It should be a fun August.