Rangers rumors seem to be swirling more as of late, and this time, the team is checking in on free agent starting pitcher Roy Oswalt. Oswalt made 23 starts for the Phillies in 2011, in the worst year of his career. Still, Oswalt was effective, with a 3.69 ERA and 1.34 WHIP, striking out 93 in 139 innings while walking 33.
↵Oswalt, who is a Mississippi native, spent the first nine and a half years of his career with the Houston Astros before being traded to Philadelphia in 2010.
↵It's been said that Oswalt is seeking just a one year deal. Still, if the Rangers sign Yu Darvish, which is expected, Oswalt might not have a place in the rotation. Darvish, Colby Lewis, Neftali Feliz, Matt Harrison, Derek Holland and Alexi Ogando all figure to fight for the five rotation spots. Adding Oswalt into the mix would make seven starters looking for five spots, but, Ogando and Feliz could easily be moved back to the bullpen.
↵Still, I don't know that I'd bother with Oswalt, especially with his back issues. If he were comfortable pitching out of the bullpen for part of the season, then that might be worth exploring. If he's looking for a guaranteed rotation spot, though, he's probably not worth it.
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