It's no secret that Oswalt would like to be traded. He is owed something like $33 million over the next two years. The Reds will have Harang coming off the payroll next year which will free up some money, and could also have Arroyo coming off the books next year depending on whether they pick up his option next year. The Reds have Wood, Maloney and Chapman waiting at Louisville, and LeCure had a very solid debut. The Reds will also have Volquez back next year. Given all of that, would you trade Homer Bailey straight up for Roy Oswalt? How about a rotation of Harang, Arroyo, Leake, Cueto and Oswalt? What say you?

Very tricky. Oswalt is no longer his old self.

Very tricky. Oswalt is no longer his old self.

 

2.35 ERA

 

69K's in 69IP

 

What more do you want?

He is 140-76 with a 3.20 lifetime era and he's only 32. It is a tough call as you could be giving up a guy that could have a solid 10-12 year career as solid 3rd or 4th starter. I would do it as they have a legitimate shot at the playoffs and I think you have to take a shot. Oswalt has never had a losing record and has a 2.35 era this year for an awful team. I seen a stat this week that Oswalt is 1st or 2nd in the majors in wins since 2001.

I'm pretty sure Houston could get a better deal than Homer Bailey.

He is 140-76 with a 3.20 lifetime era and he's only 32. It is a tough call as you could be giving up a guy that could have a solid 10-12 year career as solid 3rd or 4th starter. I would do it as they have a legitimate shot at the playoffs and I think you have to take a shot. Oswalt has never had a losing record and has a 2.35 era this year for an awful team. I seen a stat this week that Oswalt is 1st or 2nd in the majors in wins since 2001.

 

Baseball Reference.com has most similar player to him as Roy Halladay who is the same age with 154-79 with a 3.39 era. That is very impressive. He is a borderline Hall of Famer with 8-9 more solid seasons.

I'm pretty sure Houston could get a better deal than Homer Bailey.

 

 

I don't know if they can or not with his salary.

How about Bailey and a "Harang" to be named later?

 

In seriousness though, do you trade Bailey for a one (or is it two) and done Oswalt? The Reds will not pay to resign him, IMHO.

No way would I trade a promising young pitcher for a 32 year old Oswalt. Why take on and addition 29 million for a starter when that's a strong point for your team?

If they do trade for him, I want them to do it ASAP because we need the extra 4 or 5 starts from him to make it worth it

I honestly don't think the Astros would take this trade. Maybe if there was another young player thrown in there they might but I just can't see them going straight up.

Uh, no. I'm still viewing this team as "in progress" vs "there." I don't want a very expensive aging pitcher (even though I'm a big fan of his) and turning loose a 23 or 24 yr old kid who is still learning how to pitch. The Reds are setting themselves up in the same fashion as the Rays. You can't put a price on a deep, young, impressive pitching staff with more to come.

I love Oswalt, but haven't about half his wins come against the Reds? This trade wipes out his prime victim if he comes to Cincinnati.

Uh, no. I'm still viewing this team as "in progress" vs "there." I don't want a very expensive aging pitcher (even though I'm a big fan of his) and turning loose a 23 or 24 yr old kid who is still learning how to pitch. The Reds are setting themselves up in the same fashion as the Rays. You can't put a price on a deep, young, impressive pitching staff with more to come.

 

Amen! Love Oswalt (except when he pitches against the Reds), but why add to payroll AND add the extra pressure of HAVING to make the playoffs this year. If they trade for Oswalt, expectations get much greater than they are right now. I say let these kids continue to grow together, looks to be working for them now and if it aint broke...

Only if the Astros agreed to cough up some money to cover part of Oswalt's remaining salary.

 

I don't think Houston will trade Oswalt because I don't think the Astros' brass will be offered what they feel Oswalt is worth.