Stop me if you've heard this before: Roy Oswalt is expected to sign with a team, as soon as this week. Once again, an ESPN writer has a source telling him that the expectations is that Oswalt will sign with the Rangers. Last week, it was Buster Olney, and this week, it's Jerry Crasnick.
The Los Angeles Dodgers watched pitcher Roy Oswalt throw last week in Starkville, Miss., a baseball source said. But team officials are convinced that Oswalt is going to sign with the Texas Rangers -- possibly as early as this week.
This does not bode well for Neftali Feliz. As Adam Morris over at Lone Star Ball points out, Oswalt is likely not going to be a difference maker, and AJM contends that a better use of resources would be to acquire either Cole Hamels or Zack Greinke closer to the trading deadline.
If you're expecting Oswalt to be the ace of any playoff caliber staff, you're mistaken. Oswalt would serve as a band-aid for the Rangers this year, enabling the team to move Scott Feldman back to the bullpen in a swing/spot starting type role.
Consequently, the move would also put Feliz back in the bullpen, as Yu Darvish, Derek Holland, Colby Lewis, Matt Harrison and Oswalt would round out the rotation. This is perhaps telling on what the Rangers think about Feliz' arm woes. Shoulder problems last year and earlier this spring coupled with a UCL sprain is not a good thing for any pitcher, much less one converting from relieving to starting.
We'll see if any of ESPN's reports come true, but the Rangers and Oswalt have been flirting for quite some time.