Roy Oswalt Makes First Start for Phillies Friday

It’s official! Roy Oswalt is now a part of the Philadelphia Phillies after a long waiting period that him linked to several other teams. Oswalt has been waiting for the day that he could play for a team that is a contender for a World Series title.

After bursting on the scene with a 14-3 record and 2.73 earned run average as a rookie in 2001, Oswalt has continually felt the wrath of being a Houston Astro. They haven’t been competitive to the degree that Oswalt would have liked, and are seemingly getting worse as he gets older. The time for change is now, and the timing couldn’t be any better. Oswalt is in his 10th year in the league, and still has a lot to offer most big league teams. Although he has a horrible looking 6-12 record, his 3.42 ERA is a much better indicator as to how effective he still is.

Joining a pitching rotation that has Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Kyle Kendrick should help this Phillies squad in pulling ahead of the Braves for first place of the National League East. Scoring hasn’t been a problem for Philly. They lead the N.L. East in runs scored, and are currently 8th in all of Major League Baseball. They should get a major boost with the addition of Oswalt. Oswalt’s ERA will rank 2nd for the Phillies starters, and will take pressure off of their hitters.

The loss of Cliff Lee in the off season has really taken its toll. The Philadelphia pitching staff from a year ago was much better in terms of starters as they won their division with a 93-69 record. This year’s team has a lower overall earned run average, but that’s largely due to better performances from their middle-relief.

Now that Oswalt is on board, many MLB handicappers have made the Phillies the odds on favorites to win the East. This will not be easy however as the Atlanta Braves have played good fundamental baseball all season, and don’t look to be slowing down. Friday night will be a good indicator as to how this team reacts to Oswalt’s signing. He will be facing a descent Washington Nationals team that has the potential to put up runs in bunches. Tune in Friday as the Phillies look for Oswalt to jump start their run towards a division title.

Related posts:

1. Phillies need Oswalt to Compete in N.L. East
2. Lee vs. Beckett in Phillies/ Red Sox Showdown
3. Phillies vs. Dodgers: Lee and Lilly Face Off
4. Philadelphia Phillies vs San Diego Padres: Series Preview
5. Cahill battles Hamels and Phillies Saturday

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