By: Tyler Ward
In a deal announced Thursday, the Houston Astros have dealt Roy Oswalt to the Philadelphia Phillies for pitcher J.A. Happ and two other prospects yet to be named. Oswalt officially OK'ed the deal, thus sending him to the Phillies - he had to waive his no-trade clause in order to do so. The Astros have heavily expressed interest in getting Class A first baseman Jonathan Singleton from the Phillies, who many consider to be one of their best prospects. Although full details haven't been given to the media, it is thought that Singleton will be apart of the deal.
The Astros will pay $11 million of Oswalt's $23 million salary that is guaranteed through the 2011 season. The Phillies will also increase the buyout from $2 million to $3 million if Oswalt decides to walk away from the team after this season. His option for 2012 is valued around $16 million.
According to sources, Oswalt preferred to be sent to the St. Louis Cardinals, but they did not have the same interest in the pitcher.
Oswalt joins a pitching staff that already includes former Cy Young winner, Roy Halladay, and the 2008 NLCS MVP, Cole Hamels. Along with Joe Blanton and Jamie Moyer, the Phillies immediately have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. Philadelphia, entering Thursday, is 55-46 on the year, three games behind the streaking Atlanta Braves for the NL East division title.
The Phillies had talks with Pedro Martinez about a possible comeback, but Martinez announced a few weeks ago that he would not make a return to baseball this season. With that being said, Philadelphia felt that they had to acquire a starting pitcher if they want to make a third straight World Series appearance (defeated Tampa Bay in 2008, lost to New York in 2009).
The addition of Oswalt may not guarantee the Phillies with the NL East crown, but it could get them the lone Wild Card spot. They're behind the Atlanta Braves in the division and barring injuries or mistakes, the Braves could very well win the division.
Oswalt first appeared in the majors in 2001, going 14-3 in his first season. Since that season, Oswalt has gone 129-79 for Houston. He is 6-12 so far this season, and if he finishes the season with more losses than wins, it would be the first time in his career that he has been below .500. Oswalt is 143-82 with a 3.24 ERA since his rookie season in 2001.
