ANAHEIM – In a classic case of the Yankees’ “Win Now” mentality, they acquired third baseman Aaron Boone from the Reds yesterday for lefty Brandon Claussen, their best pitching prospect who many believe is headed for stardom.

Unable to land a lethal bat to replace Raul Mondesi in right field because Vladimir Guerrero and Brian Giles weren’t available, the Yankees used their premier trading chip to get Boone, an upgrade at third base over Robin Ventura, who was dealt to the Dodgers for two minor leaguers.

While Boone enhances the Yankees’ chances of holding off the rebuilt Red Sox in the AL East (the Yankees led by 2 ½ games going into last night’s action) and winning a World Series, the Bombers have their fingers crossed that Claussen doesn’t remind them of Doug Drabek or Eric Milton.

However, the Yankees are better today than they were yesterday, and that’s all that counts in George Steinbrenner’s dysfunctional family.

In a separate deal from the Boone transaction, the Yankees acquired Reds lefty reliever Gabe White for a player to be named. White, 31, is on the disabled list with a groin problem, and the Yankees are looking at having him in three weeks. He makes $3.1 million this year. There is a $3.5 million option next year or a $250,000 buyout.

Boone, 30, also cost the Yankees Single-A lefty Charlie Manning and $1 million. Boone is expected to join the Yankees tonight in Oakland.

The deal for Boone, who likely will be offered a multi-year deal in the winter, blocks Drew Henson’s path to the majors at third. It probably means Henson will be moved to right field, where there is an opening; he also could be traded.

Henson, who is struggling at Columbus (Triple-A) for the second straight year but is having a solid July, said yesterday he is sticking with baseball and not thinking about the NFL. Houston holds the former Michigan quarterback’s rights. Henson has $12 million left on a $17 million deal with the Yankees.

Boone was hitting .273 with 18 homers and 65 RBIs for the Reds this season, and made his first All-Star appearance.

“I am going to be with the best organization in sports and that’s pretty flattering,” said Boone, whose week started with his dad, Bob, being fired as the Reds’ manager and Jim Bowden being let go as the GM. “Hopefully I can be a piece to bring another championship.”

Boone, who is making $3.7 million this year, is eligible for free agency after next season and is entertaining thoughts of signing a multi-year deal, even if GM Brian Cashman said that hasn’t been discussed yet. Considering what the Yankees gave up, it’s in their best interest to get Boone locked up for a while.

“Absolutely, are you kidding me?” Boone said when asked if he was open to staying a Yankee. “But the first thing is to get on a plane, get into uniform and try to win a game. If the contract comes up, absolutely.”

Until Bowden was fired Monday, the Reds weren’t actively shopping Boone. However, when they did, the Yankees decided 24-year-old Claussen, who was 2-1 with a 2.75 in 11 Columbus starts and beat the Mets at Shea Stadium on June 28 in his only major league appearance, was worth giving up.

“[Boone] is under contract through next year and we felt we couldn’t pass it up,” Cashman said. “[Claussen] became available because Aaron Boone became available. Right field and third base are everyday positions. A fifth starter is less important. Our assessment of Claussen is high, but our assessment of Boone is higher.”

Claussen admitted to being somewhat surprised, but said he understood.

“Every year I heard my name in talks, but they decided to hold on to me,” Claussen said. “But they have to do what it takes to win a World Series. I am excited. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to play for the Yankees, but as long as I am playing somewhere, I am fine.”

Boone or bust

Aaron Boone has played against every AL team except the Red Sox and Orioles in his career, with averages strikingly similar to those he established in the NL with the Reds.

Here’s a look at Boone’s numbers vs. the AL:

Vs. AMERCIAN LEAGUE

AB H HR RBI AVG.

Overall 200 57 5 24 .285

Since 2000 112 27 2 13 .241

BEST AGAINST

Tigers: 11-for-24 (.458), 2 HR, 6 RBIs

WORST AGAINST

Mariners: 1-for-11 (.111), 0 HR, 0 RBIs

A’s: 1-for-8 (.125), 0 HR, 2 RBIs