Texas Rangers’ Alexi Ogando ready for bullpen role – MLB News
Alexi Ogando stated on Tuesday, January 17, that he will like to stay a starter; but can go to the bullpen if the need be. His statement pertained to the possibility of the Texas Rangers signing a contract with the Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish.
Alexi Ogando who remains a success story and source of inspiration for the youngsters, is striving hard to attain elevation as the Texas ace. From how things have gone so far, his efforts have borne fruit and there are clear indications that he will thrive.
However, as the news of Yu Darvish’s contract offer is to be possibly accepted at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, there is the likelihood of Ogando being put in the bullpen. Ogando, from what can be reliably predicted, is all ready to take this challenge.
"My wish is to stay as a starter," Ogando said Tuesday. "But if it happens I have to go to the bullpen, I'll be OK with that. I will do what it takes to help the team. I will be up for it."
The fact that the Texas Rangers have strong arms in the face of Derek Holland, Neftali Feliz, Ogando himself constitutes an irreplaceable part in the team. Part of the Ogando’s success comes from his remarkable ability to excel both as starter and reliever.
A look at his stats brings to fore the fact that he can capably handle both the roles designated to him. As a starter in the first half of the last season, he had nine wins in the 17 starts with 2.92 ERA and then won four games as a reliever in 44 games
in 2010.
"I'm going to continue to work as a starter, but if they move me to the bullpen, I won't have a problem with that," Ogando said. "It's easier to go to the bullpen from being a starter."
As Ogando put it, he is ready to accept both challenges without being deterred. All of this depends on how the deal goes with Yu Darvish whose deadline is on Wednesday, something being awaited with abated breath by the Rangers.
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