http://rangers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061014&content_id=1713505&vkey=news _tex&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex

I'd say he has been planning for this opportunity for some time. "I have a sense of the Texas Rangers lineup and know what the status of their rotation is," Hillman said. "I know about their up-and-coming young pitching. I have a pretty good sense of what their needs are for next year. I do know the 40-man rosters of the American League West teams. I've done a little homework.

"I know Andy Pettitte is available [as a free agent], and I had him for two years [in the Yankees organization] and he'd like to stay in Texas. I keep up. But my primary focus is here right now."