Possible Phillies Trade: Roy Oswalt for Jayson Werth

Written by Mike Mariano | 21 July 2010

UPDATE: Buster Olney has a great column up about it and speculates that the deal for Roy wouldn't be directly for Jayson Werth, that Jay would get possibly dealt to Tampa Bay.  Even more interesting.  However, there is this thought nugget inside the article:

But talent evaluators with other teams asked an interesting question Tuesday night, as ESPN reported the on-going talks: If the Phillies land Oswalt, are they good enough to contend for the World Series?

"They've got real holes over there, and I know they need a starting pitcher," one executive said. "But I think their lineup is as much of a problem now [as the pitching questions]. If they got two Roy Oswalts, I'm not sure it would make a difference."

After our initial post this morning about Phillies deals, Sportscenter is talking that the Phillies are in advance trade talks with the Houston Astros.  One proposed deal would center around Roy Oswalt for Jayson Werth, the implication being that Domonic Brown would be called up immediately to replace the struggling and shipped out superstar.

Here are my thoughts, in order about this potential deal:

1. It has to be done.  I'd spoken in the past about possibly ignoring the pitching if they couldn't find a worthwhile option, but this changes everthing.  Amaro would be turning an asset that they'd lose after the season into a premier pitcher which the Phillies desperately need.  With DoBro down on the farm, it's not unreasonable to expect that his production in the lineup will be replaced as well (especially the production level Jay's at right now).
   
   
2. I'm going to be really sad to see Jayson Werth go.  The wolfman is a fan favorite for a reason: because he can be an incredible player and he's just plain cool.  Saying that, he's pretty old for the 5 year, big money deal he would garner if he gets back on track in the second half.  I think he's capable of maintaining a high level of play, but I think it comes with some serious potential for drop-off (see the past two months).
   
3. Roy Oswalt has long been someone I'd like to have on this team.  I know his numbers have been in decline the past few seasons, but he has phenomenal stuff and a pedigree as a top pitcher in this league.  I don't want to speculate now about Lee v. Oswalt v. Halladay and I don't want to think about the fact that it could be ALL THREE plus Hamels. Just kidding.. but for real..
   
4. I can't wait to see me some Domonic Brown.  I haven't been too excited about a Phillies call-up since Ryan Howard back in 2005. I think the kid is going to be a great player, but I'm trying to hold back my expectations seeing as he will be a rookie and most likely struggle some in the show.