Roy Oswalt Rumors: Rangers Keeping an Eye on Oswalt
By Editorial Staff
This weekend Roy Oswalt declared his intentions of continuing to hold out for the right deal. While the veteran could still find a home before the end of spring training, Oswalt indicated that he is willing to sign on with a club after the season begins. While the Red Sox, Cardinals and Reds have all been linked to Oswalt this offseason, the Rangers spoke up yesterday regarding their interest in the right-hander.
Oswalt has decided to continue holding out for a contract he deems worthy because he’s yet to find the ideal situation he’s sought this winter. Oswalt wants to remain close to home, but he also wants to pitch for a contender. On top of that, Oswalt wants to get paid.
This combination of desires has whittled down the 34-year-old’s potential list of suitors. We found out earlier this week that these wants may also have teams questioning Oswalt’s desire to pitch in the majors.
Whatever the case, Oswalt and his agent are confident that the veteran can find a solid deal even if they wait until mid-season. Injuries can and will happen, and Oswalt plans to be ready when they do.
In speaking with Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio, Rangers assistant general manager Thad Levine said that Texas will be present at any future workouts Oswalt holds. Texas’s interest hasn’t been heightened by an early spring injury. Instead, the Rangers are looking ahead to find a future need for an additional starting pitcher.
Texas has decided to move former closer Neftali Feliz into their starting rotation in 2012. With the role switch, Levine said yesterday that the Rangers hope to limit Feliz to 140-160 innings next season.
While this would allow the young right-hander to make it through most of the regular season, the innings-limit would eventually open up a spot in Texas’s rotation. If Oswalt holds out long enough and keeps himself in good enough shape, he could be the answer.
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