Relief ace Oliver mum on ’13 plans
Jays reliever Darren Oliver says he has yet to make up his mind whether to return for another season in the Toronto bullpen in 2013.
The 41-year-old Oliver has a club option at $3 million for next season, and it’s all but a certainty the Jays would like to keep the veteran, a late-inning and situational expert.
Oliver, however, refuses to comment on his future other than to say he will decide in the off-season, “like, when I’m at home.”
Oliver says his decision centres around his family back in Kansas City. With children 12 and 10 years old, the popular lefty says his “kids are at the age where they just need their dad.”
Oliver spent the previous two seasons with Texas and advanced to the World Series both years. He’s experienced the playoffs with an elite organization, and may want to return to a winner before he retires.
Oliver could retire by refusing the Jays’ option (if they exercise it) and hanging up his spikes.
Or the Jays — an organization known for being fair contractually with players — could buy him out for $500,000, paving the way for him to sign elsewhere. Oliver cannot turn down the option and then sign with another team.
Whatever his decision, his family weighs heavily on his thinking.
“It’s all about my kids and my wife. I never played this game to be away from them,” he said. “Family is important to me, as I’m sure it is with a lot of people.”