Ahh yes, I remember the day very well it was July 2007, and the Twins still had a solid shot at making the playoffs despite underachieving (Liriano was Tommy Johned) And the Trade deadline came and went in July with 1 move occuring: The Trade of 2B Luis Castillo to the N.Y. Mets !?!?!!? wtf? many of us thought, including myself , but Eventually I came to like the move seeing promise in at the time High Single A Outfileder Dustin Martin; and wasn't sure if C Drew Butera would ever even make it to the majors....

Johan Santana and Torii Hunter soon followed Castillo by exiting the Metrodome as the season concluded, and both were publicly critical of the moving of Castillo while they thought we were in the hunt.

But look at it now, it looks like another fine trade for us, one in along line of many similar deals.

OF Dustin Martin deserves to be called up to the majors at some point this season BEFORE September, but I'm not sure it will happen thanks to Jim Thome.... (no pundt inetended)

Obviously, Drew Butera has been the back-up to Mauer all season long and while no/ to very little offense has been exuded. His defense/ Game Calling has looked really Solid to me.

Time and Time again the Twins excel in this area, players that are on the decline or are Simply Role Players are dealt and the returns at one point or another are superiour to what we had to start with...

Brian Buchanan for Jason Bartlett

Bobby Kielty for Shannon Stewart

Eric Milton for Nick Punto and C. Silva

Nobby for Guzman/ and Milton

obviously we could go on and on.. but those are some off the top of my head, of course the most famous of the bunch is A.J. Pierzynksi ... and Remember, it took only Travis Bowyer and Scott Tyler to land us Castillo all those years ago.

When it comes to dealing the real blue chippers and the star players, I.E. Johan Santana, Matt Garza..... et all I would trust Betty White before Bill Smith and Co. but when it comes to the old-fashioned major league trade Terry Ryan left behind what he started very very well I think.