Colby Lewis, a former first round draft pick for the Rangers, had an undistinguished stint in the majors. OK, that’s putting it a bit lightly. He had a 6.71 ERA, splitting time between starting and relieving over five seasons. He then went on to Japan for a couple of years where he seemed to find himself: He went 15-8 with a 2.68 ERA and a 183/27 K/BB ratio in 178 innings in 2008 and went 11-9 with a 2.96 ERA and a 186/19 K/BB in 176 1/3 IP last season.
Back in December it was reported that he wanted to come back to the U.S. due to some family health problems. Now it seems that the Rangers want him back.
Lewis would be a nice pickup for Texas. If his success in Japan came because he finally figured out how to pitch, he could be a valuable addition to a Rangers team that has a legitimate shot in the AL West this season. If he’s just a fluke of the Central League, no big loss, because it’s not like he’s going to command $7 million or anything.