Photo: Getty Images - Len Redkoles
- Adam ParkerThe rich get richer.
It's a phrase many baseball fans have reserved to use when discussing perennial powerhouses like the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies.
But this time around, it's the Texas Rangers, not the usual Big Three, who will get to have its cake and eat it too.
The Rangers and free agent pitcher Roy Oswalt have agreed to terms on a one year, $5 million contract. The Rangers brought in the veteran right-hander to help offset the loss of Neftali Feliz, who recently went on the disabled list because of a sprained right elbow.
The 34-year-old had other suitors, including the Red Sox, Orioles, Dodgers, Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals. All the clubs made various offers, some even more lucrative than that of the Rangers, sources told ESPN's Karl Ravech.
However, Oswalt made it clear in the offseason that he preferred to pitch for either the Cardinals or the Rangers.
In the end, the Rangers ultimately landed him, and realistically, from Oswalt's standpoint, there wasn't a better match out there.
After all, not only does Oswalt have a great relationship with Rangers' President and CEO Nolan Ryan, going back to when they were both with the Astros' organization, but he also played for Rangers bench coach Jackie Moore and pitching coach Mike Maddux in 2000 at Round Rock while in the Astros' farm system.
Arlington is also relatively close to Oswalt's Weir, Mississippi home, which is important for obvious reasons. Oh, and it's also worth mentioning that the Rangers have arguably the best clubhouse atmosphere in baseball to go along with one of the most rabid, loyal and dedicated fanbase in the sport.
Rangers' utility infielder/designated hitter Michael Young said it best, "If you can't fit in here, you've got a problem."
And last but not least, there's the matter of winning.
The Rangers are cruising along with a (31-18) record, which is tops in the American League. They're also leading the Majors in runs (not surprising seeing as how any of us regular folk could probably come in off the street and blast a moonshot into the stands with the way the ball carries at the Rangers' Ballpark in Arlington) and also lead all other American League clubs in terms of team ERA.
The Rangers are arguably the best team in the Majors right now. Great relief pitching from guys like Mike Adams and a reborn Joe Nathan, while guys like Colby Lewis, Matt Harrison, Derek Holland and Japanese sensation Yu Darvish hold down the rotation.
That group, in addition to a lineup with threats from 1-9, looks like a recipe for success.
The Rangers have enjoyed great regular and postseason success over the past two seasons, representing the American League in the World Series in both 2010 and 2011. Thus far, however, Texas has been unable to get over that final hurdle.
However, that could all be about to change.
The addition of Oswalt to an already infinitely deep and talented roster (they're practically the San Antonio Spurs of baseball at this point) shows the Rangers are primed to make that final push and win that elusive World Series, and honestly, it's hard to bet against them.
Instead, all you can do is admire with envy and shake your head -- the rich get richer.
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