Texas Rangers intersted in Roy Oswalt

While the final sale of the Texas Rangers waits to be approved, Nolan Ryan the team’s President and soon to be part owner is wasting no time trying to improve the team. That is pretty impressive considering that the Rangers sit in first place in the American League West, and enjoy a 4.5 game lead over the Los Angeles Angels. It seems Ryan has put hurler Roy Oswalt, who is looking to get away from the Houston Astros, squarely in his gun sights.

This is a significant statement since Oswalt enjoys a full no trade clause and is owed the balance of 15 million dollars for 2010, and 16 million in 2011. There is also a club option for 2012 at the 16 million dollar mark, with a 2 million dollar club buyout clause. That means that Ryan would have to convince Oswalt that the Rangers are for real, and will not suffer their traditional late summer meltdown in the Texas heat. Of course that may be the very reason Ryan is looking to make a move like this.

Many are down on Oswalt, but I have always been a big fan. He may not be an Ace anymore, and he is 32 years old, but I think he could make a major contribution to any team looking to make a run at the playoffs. With the Houston Astros this year he is 5-8 with a 3.12 ERA, 89 strike out to just 24 walks and a WHIP of 1.08. Pretty good numbers on a pretty bad baseball team.

There is little doubt the Rangers rotation could use a front line starter, and a guy like Oswalt. I would expect them to make a big push for him, and if they fail to bag him search for another deal to add a starting arm before the trade deadline.

Related Links:

•Texas Rangers news and notes
•The Business of Major League Baseball
•MTR Baseball.com