Roy Oswalt addressed the media yesterday after signing his minor league deal with the Texas Rangers. Oswalt believes he can help the Rangers this year, and the veteran right-hander expects to join Texas after four starts in the minor leagues. Oswalt also discussed his reasoning for joining the Rangers.
While many believed Oswalt’s decision was driven by a desire to pitch close to his Mississippi home, the 34-year-old downplayed that aspect. Oswalt said that geography wasn’t a primary factor because “whether you’re six hours or 20 hours away from home, you’re still not at home”.
While geography may not have played as large of a role in Oswalt’s decision as some thought, money certainly did. Despite holding out for the first two months of the season, Oswalt managed to earn $5 million guaranteed with another $1 million in incentives.
But other teams could have offered Oswalt similar money. Oswalt told reporters that the Rangers had something that no other club had; team president Nolan Ryan. Oswalt admitted that “a lot” of his decision to sign with the Rangers had to do with Ryan. Oswalt credits Ryan for starting his career and said that he has “a lot of respect for Nolan”.
Oswalt is preparing to make his first minor league start for the Rangers Triple-A affiliate this Saturday. Oswalt told reporters that he’s planning on throwing 50 to 60 pitches Saturday, something he believes he is more than prepared for. Prior to signing, Oswalt said he had been throwing bullpen sessions up to 85 pitches every other day.
If he’s able to make his minor league debut this Saturday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram projects Oswalt will be able to join the Rangers sometime during their series against the Colorado Rockies from June 22-24.
For more on the Rangers be sure to check out Nolan Writin’.