Roy Oswalt Rumors: Rangers, Cardinals and Red Sox Edition
Much of the recent buzz surrounding free agent starting pitcher Roy Oswalt has involved the Boston Red Sox. However, other teams are on the prowl for pitching and Oswalt may not be as interested in the Red Sox as they reportedly are in him. Peter Gammons of MLB.com hears that Oswalt has interest in joining the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers.
Gammons spoke with a trio of general managers regarding Oswalt. Two told Gammons that Oswalt would like to join Nolan Ryan and Mike Maddux in Texas. The other GM said that the veteran right-hander would prefer to ultimately land in St. Louis.
The Rangers were linked to Oswalt earlier this offseason, though that was before they added Yu Darvish and moved Neftali Feliz to the starting rotation. Things have been relatively quiet in St. Louis, though they may still have ‘Albert Pujols money’ left to spend on the right player.
It’s been said that Oswalt would like to join a winner next season, a team that can offer him a legitimate chance to win the World Series. The Cardinals, Rangers and Red Sox all present this potential to varying degrees.
Geography could also impact Oswalt’s decision. The 34-year-old is a family man first, as he left the Phillies to return home to Mississippi last April when tornadoes ravaged the state.
Having spent much of his career with the Houston Astros and with his home in Mississippi, Oswalt may prefer to stay closer to his friends and family.
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