Read the opposing arguments from Sports Geek and Bleacher Fan.
The MLB trading deadline is a week from tomorrow, and depending on how things shake out over the next eight days, there could be a lot of movement. Many teams could be making that move to put their team in contention while other teams are already looking at rebuilding. If I’m a fan of a team who is in contention, and who is really serious about winning an elusive championship, then I want a guy who can make a difference in October. I’m a firm believer in pitching in October and we really saw how much it meant last season in the playoffs, especially with all of the off days MLB allowed in the 2009 post-season, though it looks as if that will change this year.
With the importance of pitching firmly in mind, I believe acquiring a frontline starting pitcher is the key. Obviously, Cliff Lee was that guy. But, since he is no longer on the market, then Roy Oswalt is your man.
At first glance, Oswalt is having a down season. I know the stat we all look at first is the win-loss record, and through Thursday Oswalt had a 6-11 record. It’s important to note, however, that Oswalt pitches for a REALLY bad Houston Astros team and that his season ERA of 3.12 is more indicative of how well he has pitched. Just two weeks ago, he threw a one-hitter. This guy is a proven major league ace. He’s a three-time All-Star with a career ERA of 3.22.
It’s also important to note that Oswalt has post-season experience… well, actually, post-season experience at dominance. Back in 2005, Oswalt, along with Carlos Beltran, seemingly single-handily lifted the Astros through the NLDS and the NLCS before running into a buzz saw named “Chicago White Sox.” Oswalt went 3-0 overall that post-season, highlighted by a dominant game six performance in the NLCS. I remember how clutch that performance was because it was the game after Albert Pujols hit that home run to the moon off of Brad Lidge the game before, and all the momentum seemed to be on the side of St. Louis. That game cemented his status as NLCS MVP.
Unfortunately, it looks as if Oswalt will only approve a trade if his 2012 option, which happens to be for $16M, is picked up by the team that acquires him. That could actually hinder his chances of being moved to another team, and it definitely limits the number of teams that will inquire about him. That’s a lot of money to pay for a then 35-year-old pitcher. Oswalt could have to soften his stance on that demand in order to get his original wish to get traded to a contender.
But, whoever gets him will get a true number one starter and someone who could prove to be a difference maker in October. He could be the difference between a team being one and done or making a deep run toward chasing a ring. By looking at the list of World Series champions, it’s obvious that you can never have enough quality starting pitching in the playoffs.
