Roy Oswalt, who signed a $1.5 million deal with the Colorado Rockies earlier this month, had more than money on his mind.

The veteran right-hander wants to prove that he can still pitch and improve a bit of a damaged reputation. He missed a pair of spring trainings in recent years, made cameo appearances in the Major leagues, took a 10-day sabbatical in Philadelphia and had a negative experience in Texas.

"Life changes, and sometimes you appreciate your profession a little bit more after you're away from it," Oswalt's agent Bob Garber said.