I had been hearing from people inside the Rangers organization back in June that they wanted Pudge back in Arlington and that he would love to be back there. But when the Astros were on their hot-streak -- which got them to within a game of first place --everything seemed to quiet down. Apparantly their poor record over the past two weeks, prompted the Astros to focus on the future and not so much about the present.

Pudge admits he's excited about returning to the place where his major league career started, but I believe he was sincere when he told me that he really liked the guys in the clubhouse here in Houston and he really liked the fans here. He told me he loved playing before the fans here and he appreciated the support they always showed him.

Pudge told me he doesn't expect to play the role of "everyday" catcher with the Rangers, rather he expects to play "two or three times a week." But he's very excited about joining a team with playoff potential.

When we finished talking, I asked Pudge if he was going to stop by the ballpark on his way out of town and he said,"No, I don't have time. They want me to report tonight and I have a five-hour drive ahead of me."
Pudge then asked me if I was going to the clubhouse today and I said I was. He said, "Tell everyone goodbye and give them my best."

As of 1 p.m., the Astros have not said who they're receiving in return in this trade. Sources say it'll be a couple of minor leaguers.