Philadelphia Phillies opt-out of options on Brad Lidge, Roy Oswalt – MLB Update
After crashing out of the postseason as early as the National League Division Series, the Philadelphia Phillies have effectively declined the 2012 options for pitchers Roy Oswalt and Brad Lidge.
By declining these options, the Phillies have saved 28.5-million-dollars for the next year. The Phillies plan to re-sign one of Heath Bell, Jonathan Papelbon or Ryan Madson to be their closer and thus a 12.5-million-dollar player option for Lidge, considering this proposition, was never a favourable choice.
Oswalt, on the other hand, finished the season with a 9-10 record at a 3.69 ERA. Had the Phillies opted to exercise the option, they would have been obliged to pay 16-million-dollars to the right-handed starter and this was not feasible for a player who missed a lot of games due to back injury.
However, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. hinted at keeping both pitchers in the team’s roster for next year, but on a yearly basis. Amaro stressed that both players had made significant contributions for the ballclub and thus the management will talk with their representatives for a possible deal for the next season.
Bob Garber, Oswalt’s representative, said, "Roy would definitely like to come back, but he'd also like to see what else is out there. Roy would like to test the free-agent market. It's the first time he's had a chance to do that. But we'll continue talking to the Phillies about something on more than a one-year basis."
Garber added that Oswalt has sorted out his back issue and is now aware of how to manage his workload. He was acquired from the Houston Astros in July, 2010, but has not been in prime form since. He asserted that he wants to play in the Majors, regardless of the team and still has what it takes to pitch against top-quality offensive sides.
After winning the 2008 World Series for the Phillies, Lidge has had various injuries which have halted his progress. However, the management believes that the closer can be useful for the ballclub as a late-inning reliever and mentor. His agent, Rex Gary, stressed that Lidge is open for a deal with the Phillies even though the team plans on signing some other player as a closer.
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