Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning news reports that the Toronto Blue Jays are close to signing modified Type-B free agent left-hander Darren Oliver.
It would appear that the Rangers, who per the new collective bargaining agreement, would; receive a supplemental first round draft pick as compensation for Oliver, are moving away from earlier interest in a reunion with Oliver.
Even at 41, Oliver is a solid reliable bullpen option. He pitched to a 2.40 ERA in 112 1/3 innings for Texas the last two years, holding lefty batters to a .212/.250/.306 batting line during that time.
Oliver, who made $3.25 million in 2011, perhaps had his best season last year, posting a 2.29 ERA, 7.8 K/9 and 1.9 BB/9 across 51 innings of work in relief.
If Oliver does sign with the Blue Jays or the Angels who also had interest, he will pitch in his 19th major league season, and will be leaving the team that's owned by Nolan Ryan, who was one of his teammates in his rookie season in 1993.
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