Rangers check in on Roy Oswalt
The 34-year-old Oswalt was on the disabled list twice in 2011 with lower-back issues and ended up 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA in 139 innings (23 starts) with the Philadelphia Phillies. Oswalt had a $16 million option for the 2012 season, which the Phillies declined, making him a free agent.
The Rangers have taken some chances on injured pitchers before, with the idea that it can be a low-risk, high-reward option. Some of those risks have worked well (Eric Gagne, for example, showed he was healthy again and the club got good value for him in a trade) and some haven't worked as well (Texas paid Brandon Webb $3 million guaranteed in 2011 and he never pitched). But the bottom line is those types of players come in motivated and are usually agreeable to a one-year deal with plenty of incentives. If the club hits on them, it comes with a small investment that can pay big dividends.
Oswalt did make at least 30 starts from 2004 to 2010, but has been bothered by hip and back pain since 2006.
The club's inquiries about Oswalt were first reported by the Dallas Morning News.
What do you think of Oswalt? Is he worth consideration whether Yu Darvish signs or not?
Richard Durrett
ESPNDallas.com
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Richard Durrett
Richard Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He writes about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers. Richard spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News covering the Rangers, Stars, colleges, motorsports and high schools.
Bryan Dolgin
Bryan Dolgin joined ESPNDallas.com in February of 2011. This is his third season as the radio pre/post game show host of the Texas Rangers, and he also hosts Rangers Magazine. He has worked as a broadcaster for three minor league teams and has worked for ESPN 1000 in Chicago.
Tim MacMahon
Tim MacMahon joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. Tim covers the Cowboys and Mavericks. He has covered the local sports scene from high schools to colleges to pros during his six-year tenure at The Dallas Morning News. MacMahon is a graduate of UNT.
Jeff Caplan
Jeff Caplan joined ESPNDallas.com in December 2009. Jeff covers the Mavericks, Rangers and colleges. He has a wealth of experience in the area, covering multiple beats in his 11-plus years with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Ben Rogers
Ben Rogers joined ESPNDallas.com in November 2009. He is one half of "The Ben & Skin Show," heard weekdays from 9a-12p on 103.3 FM ESPN.
103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS
Play Podcast Rangers GM Jon Daniels discusses the team's recent struggles, the interest level in Roy Oswalt and more.
Play Podcast Rangers play-by-play voice Eric Nadel says he's not worried about the Rangers lack of offensive production.
Play Podcast Ron Washington breaks down Matt Harrison's consistency, has no regrets about resting his players and says he isn't concerned over Yu Darvish's rough start.
Play Podcast Rangers outfielder David Murphy talks about his inside-the-park home run, Yu Darvish's last start and more.
Play Podcast Rangers president Nolan Ryan comments on Neftali Feliz's injury, the club's interest in Roy Oswalt, re-signing Josh Hamilton and more.
Play Podcast Ben and Skin discuss the three most important figures for the Rangers, Mavs, and Cowboys. Who is the most vital to the ultimate success of each organization?
UPCOMING GAMES
| W-L | HM | AW | STK | L10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOR | 24-21 | 12-10 | 12-11 | L2 | |
| TEX | 27-18 | 11-9 | 16-9 | L1 |
| W-L | HM | AW | STK | L10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOR | 24-21 | 12-10 | 12-11 | L2 | |
| TEX | 27-18 | 11-9 | 16-9 | L1 |
| W-L | HM | AW | STK | L10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOR | 24-21 | 12-10 | 12-11 | L2 | |
| TEX | 27-18 | 11-9 | 16-9 | L1 |
TEAM LEADERS
| WINS LEADER | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Yu Darvish
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| OTHER LEADERS | ||||||||||||
| BA | J. Hamilton | .379 | ||||||||||
| HR | J. Hamilton | 18 | ||||||||||
| RBI | J. Hamilton | 49 | ||||||||||
| R | I. Kinsler | 36 | ||||||||||
| OPS | J. Hamilton | 1.187 | ||||||||||
| ERA | Y. Darvish | 3.05 | ||||||||||
| SO | Y. Darvish | 63 | ||||||||||
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