At one point, both Roy Oswalt and Brad Lidge were longtime key figures for the Astros. While in Houston they went to two postseasons together, including a World Series in 2005. Lidge was the first to go, traded to the Phillies before the 2008 season. Oswalt followed two years later, also via trade, making his Phillies debut in 2010. Now, both with declining skills/health and both with big-money club options for 2012, they may leave their second team together.
Oswalt pitched 139 innings for the Phillies this season, posting a solid 3.69 ERA and 3.95 xFIP. However, he battled a back injury that, at the time, threatened to end his career. The 34-year-old made $16 million this past season and his 2012 option was also for $16M. Given the back injury and the hefty price tag, the decision to not pick up his 2012 option is quite understandable.
Lidge has had an interesting career with the Phillies to say the least. His time in the city of brotherly love started out fantastically with 41 saves (no blown saves) and a 1.95 ERA. The next season, however, he battled some arm problems which led to a ballooned 7.21 ERA with 31 saves. Then in 2010, he continued to experience arm problems, which limited him to 45.2 innings, but he still managed to post 31 saves and a 2.95 ERA.This past season, a shoulder injury limited Lidge to only 19.1 innings. Given all of that arm trouble, it’s easy to see why the Phillies chose not to exercise his $12.5M club option.
By declining both options, the Phillies will pay $3.5M in buyouts. While this doesn’t necessarily end each player’s time in Philly, both would have to agree to far less money to return.
