The Texas Rangers have been linked to Heath Bell for quite some time now in trade rumors, and it appears that the Rangers and the Padres have hit a wall in negotiations. According to Jim Bowden, the two clubs are in a "stand-off" and are not making progress towards a deal that would bring Bell to Texas. Bowden also notes that the stand-off is going to go right down to the deadline.
This is likely good news for the Rangers and their fans. It would almost certainly be foolish for the Rangers to overpay for two months of Bell, despite the bullpen woes. Rumors from San Diego's camp have maintained that the Padres are after top prospects - or at least ones that would exceed the value of the two draft selections that San Diego would receive as compensation if Bell left for in free agency this winter.
That the Rangers aren't caving into San Diego's demands likely means that the price Texas would pay isn't too high. Still, the possibility remains that another team such as the Phillies or Cardinals could swoop in and acquire Bell.