Sunday, January 27, 2013
Mets adding Oswalt?
By Jason Catania
A few days after the New York Mets signed Shaun Marcum to a one-year contract, the club may yet add another right-hander.
While it appeared that landing Marcum had finalized the Mets rotation for 2013, New York has also expressed interest in veteran Roy Oswalt, writes ESPNNewYork.com's Adam Rubin, and may still be considering him an option.
How, exactly, Oswalt would fit in, though, is unclear. The Mets are set at the top of the rotation with left-handers Johan Santana and Jonathon Niese, while right-handers Matt Harvey, Dillon Gee and Marcum complete the five-man.
Beyond those, there's also right-hander Zack Wheeler, the club's top prospect who's likely to break through sometime over the summer -- although his agent feels Wheeler is ready to pitch in the majors right now -- while Jenrry Mejia and Jeremy Hefner will serve as further depth.
The 35-year-old Oswalt posted an unsightly 5.80 ERA for the Rangers last season after signing a minor league deal. He made nine starts but also pitched in relief, particularly later in the year, so perhaps the Mets, who have been in the market for bullpen help, are trying to determine if such a role would work for Oswalt.
