The placement of Vance Worley on the disabled list got some talking about the Phillies’ lack of depth and Roy Oswalt potentially returning. However, General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. isn’t looking to sign the veteran anytime soon, writes Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.
“We think he’s throwing,” Amaro Jr. said. “I guess he is. But right now what I’m worried about is our team playing better. That’s my focus right now. I feel comfortable with the starters we have. If we get to the point where we’re not comfortable with him then that might be something we explore. But I will tell you that right now I’m happy with our guys the way we are right now, unless something changes. I think we’ve got other fish to fry right now.”
The money that could be spent on the 34-year-old could also be allocated towards acquisitions via trade, but the Phillies have yet to determine whether they will be buyers or sellers. Fellow pitcher Jake Peavy recently gave Oswalt his endorsement, telling Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports that he’ll be ready to contribute this year.
I’ve always loved Roy Oswalt
I think you can totally disregard the Amaro statement about whether they will be buyers or sellers. That comment was made to put the players on notice. There is no way in early May, now about 5 games out and with an extra wild card team that the Phillies are going to pack it in any time soon. And they are back to .500 with a win tonight.
100% agree. The Phillies are full of complacent ball players (Rollins being the #1 culprit of this) and I think Ruben wanted to ruffle their feathers a bit and get them a little less comfortable.
I think I’d pass on a guy who has more of a passion for farming than baseball as well.
I was wondering this the other day… but what if the Phillies deal Cole Hamels and pick up a young Center Field and Third Base prospect in such a trade that could be on the team next year (who they’d be I have no idea) and then sign Oswalt to replace Hamels in the rotation.
Then, you make a run at Cole Hamels in free agency.
I don’t understand why he didn’t sign with Detroit. He would have fit perfect. And Lord knows they need help behind JV, Fister and Smyly. Porcello and Scherzer aren’t getting it done.
He wants to be the shining star of the staff… I think most of Detroit’s starting pitching would outperform Oswalt.
He was #3 in Philly but the media stroked him as a “shut-down ace” all night and day.
Actually he was our 4th. Should have been the 5th behind Worley too.