Texas Rangers Interested in Oswalt, Optimistic on Darvish Deal

The Texas Rangers are looking at Roy Oswalt, according to Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News. This would be either in addition to or insurance against signing Yu Darvish, which the team is growing increasingly optimistic about, according to Richard Durrett of ESPN. Jon Paul Morosi points out that if they do actually sign Darvish (and signs point to yes!), then they'll likely remove themselves from the increasingly desperate Prince Fielder sweepstakes.

• Roy Oswalt on Rangers' radar; Ryan optimistic Darvish will sign - Gerry Fraley | The Dallas Morning News
  "As what team president Nolan Ryan labeled promising negotiations with Japanese righthander Yu Darvish continue, the Rangers have also made inquiries about veteran right-hander Roy Oswalt, according to a major league official."
• Ryan 'optimistic' about signing Yu Darvish - Richard Durrett | ESPN Dallas
  "The club and Darvish’s representatives are in the middle of an exclusive negotiation period thanks to the Rangers’ $52.7 million posting bid. They have until 4 p.m. central time on Wednesday to get a deal done. If they don’t, Darvish would return to Japan and the Rangers won’t be owed the posting fee."

• Source: Rangers growing optimistic about Darvish - Jon Paul Morosi
  "If the Rangers sign Darvish, it will probably signal that they are no longer pursuing free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder. One source with knowledge of the Rangers’ finances said this week that it’s unlikely the team can afford both players."
• Adam Morris of LoneStarBall on Rangers, Free Agency, Yu Darvish Hysteria - MLB Daily Dish
  Lone Star Ball is the premier fan site for Texas Rangers fans and is a clearinghouse for everything you'd ever need (and something you might not!) or want to know about the club. Adam Morris is the brains behind the operation and was kind enough to sit with me (via email) for a chat about the Rangers, free agency, and the Yu Darvish hysteria...