- Roy Oswalt struggles with six losses this year. - Scott Ableman
Arguably baseball's biggest bum-luck pitcher wants out of Houston.
Roy Oswalt told Astros' owner Drayton McLane he was wants out and has "a small window" to get back to the playoffs and win a World Series ring. Oswalt stated the amount of time in his window maybe be around 2 years.
Oswalt entered Sunday with a record of 2-6, but an earned run average of just 2.66, which ranks ninth in the N.L. Oswalt problem winning has been lack of run support. In Oswalt's six losses, his team has only scored six runs for him. Starters Bud Norris and Wandy Rodriguez both have records of 2-5, but considerably higher ERAs of 6.75 and 4.30, respectively.
Oswalt frustration is evident and has been communicating to ownership about the timeline to rebuild. Oswalt also has a full no-trade clause which he could use to block a trade to a worse team, if there is one.
Oswalt is owed $15 million this year and $16 million next year, which may limit where Oswalt could go. There is also a club option for 2012 for $16 million or a $2 million buyout.
Oswalt is a two-time 20-game winner and has picked up 14 or more wins in a season seven times. Last season was the first season since 2003 Oswalt didn't notch at least 14 wins and 200 innings pitched.
Let's Meet The Suitors
The Yankees
Don't be at all shocked. The Yankees have had enough trouble this season with injuries. Add to that, Javier Vazquez has a bruised digit. He may miss his next turn in the rotation, but so far, Vazquez has been awful in pinstripes. Oswalt could fill out the number 2 or 3 role in the New York rotation. The cost is what the Yankees have, money. It's no secret the Astros would want to clear next to all of Oswalt's salary, but will lose prospects if they push for that. The Yankees might prefer this scenario as well.
The Nationals
This would be such a great set-up for Stephen Strasburg. For three years, he wouldn't have to be a true ace and he wouldn't have to go head-to-head against Santana, Roy Halladay, Tommy Hanson or Josh Johnson in his division. Rather, he could face Cole Hamels, Mike Pelfrey, Tim Hudson or Ricky Nolasco. The sounds much better to me. The other thing, outside pitching, Strasburg wouldn't have the weight of the Sun, moon and stars on his shoulders one year removed from college. The Nationals also have prospects to make this deal.
The Red Sox
Eventually, the Red Sox are going to make a run at the AL East. They won't likely fold with the expectations that the city of Boston has for them. The will get their act together, they will hit and they will pitch. What else would spark Red Sox nation's interest more than the Yankees interest? Add to that: Tim Wakefield may be done.
The Reds
The Reds are contending again and are growing up in front of our eyes. They are peaking much in the way the Phillies peaked in 2007 and are young, fast and deep in terms of talent. With a phenom rookie waiting in Triple-A, The Reds don't need to make a move right now, but a switcheroo between Oswalt and either Aaron Harang or Bronson Arroyo would be an upgrade. This situation is doubtful, but if someone gets injured a trade is much much more likely.
Nothing but Bluff
The Mets
The Mets would love a 1-2 punch of Johan Santana and Oswalt. They may even have the money to do it. The issue with this scenario: will the Mets compete this season and will Oswalt want to play there? It would be a dream pitching combo in the playoffs. But, it's just a dream.
The Giants
There's no doubt that pitching and defense win championships, but San Francisco has plenty of both. The giants need a bat, badly. The do not need another ace. Oswalt would make the Giants a nightmare to play in a 5-game series, but could the Giants score runs? Probably not.
The Cardinals
Would the Astros deal to a division rival?...probably not. Do the Cardinals need another pitcher?...no. Enough said.
The Phillies
The Phillies don't have the prospects or the money to make this move. If the Phillies couldn't afford Cliff Lee's $8 million salary, they can't afford Oswalt's either. Domonic Brown is also off-limits.
