It seems strange that he's not even 29 yet. I remember talk of getting him in a potential trade of Sosa to the DBacks (at least I remember talk of Padilla, just don't remember if it was Sosa or not). He went straight from a reliever to a 200 IP starter, which probably played a part in his 2004/2005 health issues. I'm guessing Texas won't have a problem coming up with the cash to keep him. As a Cub, it would be interesting in the White Sox series when Padilla pitches. In particular when the battery is Padilla and Barrett and AJ is at the plate.