We've been talking about it for a while now, and it's no secret: Colby Lewis wants to be back in a Texas Rangers uniform in 2015, and well, the Rangers share the sentiment.
The two sides just have to agree on what they think is a fair deal for the veteran right-handed starter, and they have some time for that before other teams can begin courting Lewis five days after the World Series is completed.
On Thursday night, Lewis made his final start of the 2014 season, and once again, he showed why the Rangers want him back in their rotation next season. The veteran, who is still the Rangers' all-time greatest postseason pitcher, earned a no-decision in the Rangers' 2-1 walkoff win over the A's, tossing seven innings while holding the A's to an 0-for-6 mark with runners in scoring position.
"We talked all season about how inspirational he is," Rangers manager Tim Bogar said after the game. "It was fun to watch Colby go out there and fight through that and get through seven innings."
It wasn't all easy for Lewis, who walked a season-high five batters while fanning seven. After continually letting the A's leadoff hitter on base in every inning, he continually pitched out of jams, showing the grit and determination we've grown to love about Lewis.
When it was all said and done, Lewis finished his year as the team leading in innings pitched, starts and was tied for the team lead with the shelved Yu Darvish with 10 wins after his no-decision Thursday. Lewis will make a great No. 5 starter for the Rangers next season, and could even be a serviceable No. 4 with a healthy staff. His useful days are far from over.
