Roy Oswalt has had a great career; he's pitched in the World Series, helping a great Astros staff of Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte in 2005 reach new heights for the franchise. Tired of losing ever since, Oswalt's agent recently told the team the star right hander wants to be dealt: to a contender.
In step the Nationals of Washington. Off to a surprisingly strong start, Washington currently finds themselves in the thick of things. Normally, teams in these situations tend to hold tight and wait longer before trying to add a piece. ESPN had reports that the Nationals are indeed interested in acquiring Oswalt.
Please don't.
Though a really good pitcher, Oswalt just isn't what he used to be. And not at these dollars, either. He's a budget clogger for the next couple seasons for a franchise that is still not close. The team of Oswalt and Stephen Strasburg does sound seductive, but the Nats shouldn't rush -- and more importantly -- force anything.
Strasburgh will be there soon enough. The Nats are finally having success with some younger players they've developed, with more to come (see Strasburg, Stephen and Storen, Drew). It would be a shame to give away some of their future pieces for a pricey veteran who probably can't offer them too much in the long-term. Mike Rizzo should stick to his plan and continue to improve, piece by piece.
Washington is successful this year because it has done what most bad teams don't do: buy smaller puzzle pieces in the offseason. They signed Adam Kennedy, Matt Capps, and Pudge Rodriguez. Though they don't put a fire in anybody's pants, they have helped Washington be competitive. Overtime, signings like those placed with good young talent tend to mean more victories. My advice to Washington: stick to your plan.
Now if Minnesota gave Rizzo a call...
JMO
JMO. The Nats could handcuff the Astros in that deal, though. Since Oswalt makes so much money and is tough for any team to absorb, the Nats could give the Astros the option of paying for Oswalt and getting a good prospect or two, or they could pay for Oswalt themselves and give up only 2 mediocre prospects to get the deal done.
ReplyDeleteI think that's what makes Oswalt so appealing for a team like the Nats (surprising contenders, up and coming, want more fanfare). While he's still a good pitcher and has great numbers this year, he probably won't cost frontline prospects.
But they're not real contenders. They're not likely to hang around much longer, so why surrender anything worthy. Wait another year; if they prove over time to be legit, then make a deal for him. I mean, if they're in first place on July 31st and it's before 4pm and they feel they have a legit shot at it, it would be different. But to acquire Oswalt for fanfare? It doesn't make sense; Strasburg can take care of that. He isn't worth it for them. He makes sense for Minnesota or even the Yankees (they can have anyone they wish). I don't think it's as easy as you describe.
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