This has been hashed out in several forums.  Sorry I'm late for the party, but had this brainstorm recently.

'09 is a contract year for Adrian Beltre.  It is also a contract year for Padilla, and could be one for Millwood.  All three will paid roughly the same amount next season.

Both teams are obviously building for the future, and none of these guys will be part of that future.

So the proposal is either Millwood or Padilla for Beltre straight-up.

What is in it for Texas? 

1. A right-handed bat to hit in the middle of the line-up
2. A good defensive player at 3B
3. Chris Davis back to 1B
4. No pushing MY to 3B
5. No rushing Andrus to the parent club

What is in it for Seattle?

1. An established pitcher to replace Bedard
2. Clears a spot for Matt Tuiasosopo
3. ????

This idea is not well thought-out or heavily researched.  Just a thought for discussion.

I do agree with all that has been said about Mark Connor being a fine man.  I feel for the lose of his job and wish him well in the future.  In spite of that, we can have a little fun with the situation. 

I didn't get to watch the game last night...Night Ranger was playing at the White River Water Carnival...so I watched the MLB highlight videos.  Take note of the last few seconds of the clip of Murphy's game winning hit:

http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200808013237958

Just for kicks...what did Connor say to Murphy as he patted him on the back?

With all the Harrison excitement last night, I didn't see anyone mention Kiker's line:

6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K

There was even a caught stealing with him on the mound.  That seems to be one of his better starts of the year.

There has been lots of talk about how stocked the farm system is with pitchers in the lower levels of the system.  That is certainly good.  Could it be good in another way?

I can't help but wonder if all the young arms increases the intensity, focus, and competition amongst the pitchers.  For example, did Kiker come out and fire his best game last night because he was ticked that he got passed in the pecking order by Feliz?  Does the fact that Hunter has gone from Bakersfield to Frisco to OKC in half a season show that performance gets reward, so everyone tries a little harder?  Or is the ultimate reward of the big leagues enough motivation?

I'm flying into Love Field next Friday around 1PM and need to head towards Corsicana on I-45.   What is the best route to get from Love Field to I-45?  Any major road construction  in the area?

I repeat:

I'm flying into Love Field next Friday around 1PM and need to head towards Corsicana on I-45.   What is the best route to get from Love Field to I-45?  Any major road construction  in the area?

Thanks for the help.