Philadelphia Phillies Preview: Will Roy Oswalt Struggle in ‘Lame Duck’ Year?
February 23, 2011 by Josh Schoch
Filed under Fan News
Philadelphia assembling their four aces over the last seven months they are early favorites to win the World Series this season. Considering that Oswalt is 33 and turning 34 in August he is getting up there in age for a pitcher, and he might be going on the decline soon.
The Phillies are due to owe former National League MVP Jimmy Rollins AND former World Series MVP Cole Hamels huge contracts at the end of the season and there might not be enough room to pick up Oswalt’s $16M option for 2012. If Oswalt’s option is not picked up then this could potentially be his last chance at getting a ring.
If Oswalt does not win with the Phillies this season he will most likely be let go into free agency and be signed by a mediocre team who has a lot of money. This means that this is most likely Oswalt’s best and last shot at winning the World Series and capping off a stellar career.
When looking at the Phillies’ rotation it seems that Halladay and Lee are the front runners and Oswalt and Hamels are the wild cards and the deciding factors. If Oswalt pitches well he very well may attain h the coveted World Series ring for the first time.
With all of this pressure on Oswalt’s shoulders the question is: will he sink or swim?
These ten reasons prove why Oswalt will rise to the occasion this season.