Roy Oswalt Rumors: Rangers, Cardinals Favorites, Red Sox Interest Unknown
By Editorial Staff
We found out yesterday that the Rangers and Cardinals are considered by most to be the favorites to sign free agent starting pitcher Roy Oswalt. While the Red Sox were reportedly still in the mix for the veteran right-hander, conflicting reports regarding Boston’s interest in Oswalt were released yesterday.
Yesterday morning, Gordon Edesof ESPNBoston.com reported that the Red Sox still had a great shot at signing Oswalt.
While they may have interest in the right-hander, Buster Olney of ESPN tweeted that the Red Sox were not actively engaging in negotiations with Oswalt or other free agent starters. Instead, Olney said it looks as if Boston is simply waiting for Oswalt or fellow free agent Edwin Jackson to accept their initial offers which are reportedly in the $5-6 million range.
Oswalt and his agent are apparently seeking a one-year, $10 million deal, and it’s been reported that the 34-year-old would prefer joining the Texas Rangers or St. Louis Cardinals.
If this wasn’t enough to deflate the hopes of Red Sox fans looking for their club to add Oswalt this winter, the comments made by general manager Ben Cherington probably were. Last night Cherington came out and said that, while he wouldn’t rule out adding a free agent starter before the spring, he “doesn’t expect any major changes between now and the report date”.
The Red Sox certainly cannot be counted out yet, as the Cardinals and Rangers are not clear fits for Oswalt. Still, Cherington’s comments indicate the club may be willing to enter the spring with the bevy of inexpensive arms they’ve collected this offseason.
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