Roy Oswalt going to Phillies, and Braves need to respond (UPDATED)
Roy Oswalt joined a Phillies' starting pitching rotation that includes Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels. (AP photo)
(UPDATED: 4:45 p.m.)
When rumors began to heat up the other day that the Philadelphia Phillies were pursuing Houston pitcher Roy Oswalt — the gem of baseball’s trade deadline — I mentioned that such a deal could put pressure on the Braves to make a move.
Well, it just happened
After reports surfaced late Wednesday that the Phillies and Astros had specifics of a trade in place, ESPN and Fox Sports now are both reporting that Oswalt has waived his no-trade clause and signed off on the deal. The Astros will get pitcher J.A. Happ and two prospects in return.
Oswalt will start for the Phillies in Washington Friday night.
What does this mean for the Braves? Simple. They need to do something.
The acquisition of Oswalt doesn’t guarantee Philly will overtake the Braves in the National League East. But it’s a significant and aggressive move by a three-time defending division champion, one that should madate a response by Braves’ management.
General manager Frank Wren said the other day he was uncertain if the team needed to make a move before Saturday’s non-waiver traded deadline, but can there be any doubt now?
Everything Wren has done of late has been about setting the Braves up for a pennant run in Bobby Cox’s final season as manager. Most notable: The recent trade of shortstop Yunel Escobar to Toronto for Alex Gonzalez — a deal more about this year than the future — and the demotion of center fielder Nate McLouth to the minors.
With Oswalt joining the Phillies, it would be risky, at best, for the Braves to settle for what they have. The team needs offensive help, preferably somebody who plays center field. They also may need a reliever, with Eric O’Flaherty on the disabled list, Jesse Chavez just plain awful and Kenshin Kawakami having apparently been lost in a black hole.
Is it panic time? Not at all. But worry time, maybe.
The Braves lost to Washington today. They’re 6-7 since the All-Star break and their lead over Philadelphia in the East is down to three games (pending the Phillies’ game tonight at Arizona). The Phillies are only 8-6 since the All-Star break, but they have won seven straight and scored 41 runs in the last six games. They’ve hung around despite being wrecked by injuries most of the season (second baseman Chase Utley and center fielder Shane Victorino currently are on the disabled list).
Now, Philadelphia has Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Oswalt at the top of its starting rotation.
If Wren doesn’t respond with a deal, he will be playing a dangerous game.
♦
You don’t need no stinkin’ DVR: Last 5 posts
♦ Blank says Falcons are playoff team again (and maybe more)
♦ Falcons discussed bringing in Terrell Owens, Blank says
♦ Auburn may get an ‘04 ‘title’ yet (and who’s USC’s cover boy?)
♦ Braves had no choice but to cut losses with McLouth
♦ Braves’ Wren struggling with decision on whether to deal
♦
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501 comments Add your comment
jfreak13713
July 29th, 2010
9:09 pm
The Braves have a MINOR skid and all of a sudden these bandwagon fans are jumping ship! This is the same team that couldn’t be beat three weeks ago while all you idiots were dreaming of world series rings …. Every team has a skid or two or three in a season …. The good ones (philly) will bounce back … if you didn’t think philly was going to make a run you’re an idiot! Go Braves!
2nd Half
July 29th, 2010
9:10 pm
@NolesmanJax Rockies 52-50 one of the worst teams? We scored 6 runs in 3 games against one of
the worst in the leauge (Nats) W/O thier ace, against one pitcher that hasn’t won in 2 years and your going to put the Phillies “little run into perspective”. BTW Phila. winning AGAIN ! No we’re just fine.
kjohnson
July 29th, 2010
9:13 pm
dempster lilly colvin soraino from chicago
lots of players available
Prime Time
July 29th, 2010
9:21 pm
They won’t do anything. They have too many holes to fill like 3 starting pitchers, 1st and 3rd basemen, left and center fielders and not to mention young closer and setup men.
Edward
July 29th, 2010
9:29 pm
The Braves will do absolutely nothing!!
The Doktor
July 29th, 2010
9:33 pm
I honestly wouldn’t do anything rash, it’s not worth it. Why, so the Braves can mortgage the next 5 years or so just so Bobby Cox goes out a _possible_ winner? I’m not a Bobby Cox hater, but this is about the TEAM, not any individual regardless of who they are. Fill the breaches from within and let the players play. Their pitching IS going to come around, it’s their offense that needs a fire lit under it. They gotta quit kicking the ball defensively too, a problem surfacing lately. Dog dayz? Maybe, but IMHO Wren needs to be like the Riverboat Gambler here, hold ‘em and let this play out. The Phillies are NOT going to be this hot for the rest of the year, and minus the Doc I’d take the Braves starting rotation ANY DAY over the Phils staff. Gotta hold the line, and make sure they get on a roll at the right time (September) to get themselves into the position to mount a serious play-off drive. I’m just sayin’… :-p
RollTide86
July 29th, 2010
9:41 pm
Bautista and Downs from Toronto for Dunn,Medlin,McClouth,Schafer
Call up Minor and Blanco
kjohnson
July 29th, 2010
9:42 pm
i would love crawford he would answer leadoff, centerfielder, speed, prime player outfiled with crawford and heyward wow
GEORGE
July 29th, 2010
9:43 pm
I HAVE TWO LEGIT QUESTIONS. #1 HOW IN HELL IS KAWAKAMI STILL ON THE 24 MAN ROSTER? #2 DO THE BRAVES MANAGEMENT THINK WE ARE STUPID OR WHAT? THEY SAY THEY CAN’T BRING BLANCO BACK UP UNTILL HE HAS BEEN DOWN 10 DAYS, BUT HE HAD ALREADY BEEN DOWN 10 DAYS WHEN THEY FINALLY DEMOTED MCLOUTH!
kjohnson
July 29th, 2010
9:44 pm
not a bandwagon fan, but they do need help, cf and a little more pitching, hamels, oswalt, and mr halladay plus their line up out does ours
kjohnson
July 29th, 2010
9:45 pm
been a fan since 75 and played enough to know enough
hank44
July 29th, 2010
9:57 pm
I know Diaz has been a hot hitter, but, down 1 run in the 8th with runner on first, no outs, BC has got to bunt the runner over. We all know what happened next…..
Bill Donohoo
July 29th, 2010
10:07 pm
Pretty obvious Glaus is hurt. Move Prado to first, and play Omar at second. I still believe McCann needs to get out from behind the plate, he wears out catching and his bat is needed.
JASon
July 29th, 2010
10:26 pm
Rockies? Reds? Phillies sweeped them both in the past 3 weeks. Not exactly the dregs of the NL there.
2nd Half
July 29th, 2010
10:31 pm
Phila. just won AGAIN ! So tell us again NolesmanJax about thier “little run ” here. 8 in a row.
No we’ll be just fine,possibly out of first by the end of the weekend. But we’re fine.
Chip Caray's Eyebrows
July 29th, 2010
10:31 pm
Can we cut the “mortgage 5 years” crap please. The Tex trade was a horrible trade. Yet, somehow, the Braves are in first place right now, contended last season at the end, and have a farm system ranked in the top 5 in baseball. So one of the worst trades in your franchise history in terms of giving mass numbers of prospects doesn’t set you back 5 years, I really can’t envision a scenario where one trade would. But then again that’s just me. Did the trade hurt? Sure. Would the Braves have been better off including Escobar and Reyes instead of Feliz and Andrus, heck yeah. Oh well. The franchise recovered. So something far less expansive, which is probably what will happen, is not very risky. At some point, you have to try to win.
Craig
July 29th, 2010
10:49 pm
There is a darn good chance that the Braves, who face the Reds, will be out of 1st place after this weekend. The Phillies play the Nationals and I am betting they sweep them. Better make a move Wren, we need a power hitter and now.
Turtsnap
July 29th, 2010
10:57 pm
Twins just got Matt Capps….. why couldn’t they get him before today’s game
Robert
July 29th, 2010
10:59 pm
Philly 2.5 back and the Braves got 3 in Cincy and Hudson is not starting any of them.
2nd Half
July 29th, 2010
11:00 pm
Correction: Phila. has just won 9 in a row. Didn’t someone else have a streak of 9 in a row?
Wait, that was us but it was 9 losses in a row ! But we’re just fine. We got no-hit by a guy that Phila.
LIT up last week, but WE’RE FINE!
Poorbrave
July 29th, 2010
11:30 pm
I agree Jeff ..to much $$$ for Dunn.
Poorbrave
July 29th, 2010
11:31 pm
Nate had a great night in AAA. He had home-run and was 2 for 5. Thats a new start.
Prime Time
July 29th, 2010
11:36 pm
Most of Philly players are/were hurt and yet instead of leaving them way behind, we are only 2.5 games up. Way to go Braves and way to go FW. The kind of manager BC is/was, that’s the kind of last season he deserves. Thanks for nothing BC and can’t wait for next year. In the meantime, hello FALCONS
Peter
July 29th, 2010
11:46 pm
Folks the owners are a CORPORATION………. the bottom line is more important than winning……..that is the reason we are the team we are.
Look at Harley Davidson…..Great Quarter after firing 2000 folks…….with 1500 to 2000 more to go.
Troy Glaus the “BIG ” pickup this season ……and we pay him what ? 1.75 Million ! That is commitment to a BIG BAT !
JRW7
July 29th, 2010
11:49 pm
Phillies 2.5 games back, BRAVES are in serious trouble.. Since BW blew 2 saves, and MCOUT grounded into that rally killing doubleplay, BRAVES can’t seem to get going again. It killed this BRAVES team. Its over. I enjoyed it while it lasted.
David Granger
July 29th, 2010
11:50 pm
Maybe so, but whatever we do…it needs to be a smart response. The last time we got worried about another team making a move or two down the stretch, we ended up with Len Barker.
kjohnson
July 30th, 2010
12:12 am
we will see
Maestro
July 30th, 2010
12:23 am
There is no question that the Braves have to make a move to get another bat in the lineup. First off by trading Escobar the Braves said that the future is now so eliminate his negative presence in the clubhouse. Bobby’s gone after this year so why couldn’t he suck it up until the end of the season IF Escobar was the franchise’s SS. Secondly, by demoting Mclouth you are now looking at two platoon situations in left field (Hinske-Diaz) and center (Blanco-Cabrera). With Glaus in a slump and Chipper being Chipper (nonproductive) this line up has way too many holes and is too inconsistent. Philly plays in that bandbox of a stadium and when their boppers come off the DL they are gonna score runs like crazy. At the very least they need a bat that can play everyday in left, Blanco will play center EVERYDAY and bat leadoff and prado will bat second in the lineup and move Heyward to third or sixth depending on the bat that was traded for. Who am I willing to give up? The
Braves have always had a rich farm system and always will. I would be willing to part with Hansen and bring KK back to the rotation. Medlen as everyone will find out will be the better pitcher of the two. Stand pat? Do that and the Braves are playing for the wildcard. Guaranteed.
MJ
July 30th, 2010
12:39 am
The Braves need to act before the deadline is over. Glaus has had his 15 minutes of fame, and is beginning to play like the broken down plowhorse that he is. We should try to package him, an arm, and our worthless hitting coach for a legitimate number 4 hitter. Our “power hitting” shortstop is doing nothing – to bad our nimble trading front office gave away two allstar shortstops – Andrus & Furcal over the last 3 – 5 years. Blank needs to own this team and give it some backbone. The Falcons have a focus on winning, bringing in the best available players, and paying them. The Braves focus on payroll limits, and trying to find “projects” every year to meet their needs. That is a philosophy that lacks marbles, which is a condition the senior mgt of the Braves has suffered from for the last 10 years.
Really?
July 30th, 2010
1:12 am
Y’all are the reason why Atlanta is such a crappy sports town according to everyone else. Two weeks ago y’all wouldnt shut up about how great Bobby is and how great this team is and now there are hardly any of you that can say something positive. If you’re off the wagon then stay off because myself and no one else wants you cheering with us anymore. FW does need to make a trade though and I am pretty sure that he will. I am not crazy about the man either, but he has done pretty good this year (i.e. Hinske and yes even Glaus).
James
July 30th, 2010
1:22 am
Frank Wren need to find a way to get rid of these players in trades, Kenshin Kawakami, Melky Cabrera, Nate McCloth, Takashi Saito, & Jesse Chavez. I wish we could trade Derek Lowe and Chipper Jones but I know that’s not going to happen because of Derek Lowe contract and the Braves being loyal to Chipper.
willie g hates liberty media
July 30th, 2010
4:20 am
liberty media needs to step up to the plate and give frank wren the power to go get a big bat and resign this person in 2 yrs like MR FIELDER IN MILWAUKEE, OR ANDREOR KEMP OR EATHIER IN LA . THE PADRES GOT A GOOD PLAYER, PHILLIES GOT A GREAT PLAYER, BRAVES PRICELESS BUMS.
willie g hates liberty media
July 30th, 2010
4:42 am
GET ANDREW JONES BACK FROM WHITE SOX HE WILL PLAY HIS AS S OFF FOR BOBBY DOWN THE STRETCH OR what in the sam hell can we give up to get greinke from royals they have ties to braves , look pay most of kawakamis contract , mclouth, proctor ,in minors, and another prospect to royals for greinke , then call up freeman , or see if freg mcgriff can come back for some more majic just do something major FRANK WREN.BUT MINOR NEEDS TO BE HANDS OFF WE ARE LOOKING AT ANOTHER ANDY PETTITE MAYBE IN THE FUTURE.
Justfacts
July 30th, 2010
6:09 am
I am a huge braves fan but the people who actually thought that the braves were better than the phillies BEFORE the Oswalt thing are delusional. The long season is playing out and the phillies will catch and pass the braves with or without oswalt. The real standings that we braves fans should be looking at are the wild card and that ain’t lookin too good.
Amarefan
July 30th, 2010
6:27 am
Ownership needs to give Wren the OK to bring in a bat, with the streak Philly has been on. The phillies have been fortunate to take advtantage of teams suchs as the Dbacks and pirates. There is absolutely no excuse for losing to Miguel Batista in the game opener and letting that game set the tone for the series for the Nats. The Phils have been hurt, no offense, and now are on a nice winning streak, and bring in a quality pitcher in Oswalt. Yes, I have seen Oswalt has struggles against the Braves, and isnt in his prime, and on the older side…BUT…but..he is a top notch pitcher..and will help the phils BIG TIME. THE BRAVES NEED TO BRING IN A BAT IN THE OUTFIELD. I know Wren has given up some talent in the past..but we need to give up some talent ( within reason) to bring in some talent..and bring some energy and enthusiasm to this team. Otherwise, as the seasons change..year in and year out – the Phils will always have that mindset that they can come back against the Braves in the standings..no matter how far back. AND yes , this season has brought excitement for us Braves fans..so lets end it on a good note for Cox without throwing away our young prospects. No half year rentals, and no guys with huge contracts!! Hmmm im thinkin Cory Hart or Chris Young..the CF from Arizona..he would bring some speed..and pop to the lineup..as he would be a threat on any given day to hit a homerun or swipe a base! Arizona is lookin to free up some space, and head in a new direction with trading Dan Haren – and firing there head coach and GM this past month. They said the only players untouchable were Upton, Ian kennedy. Either one would be great, and would show everyone that the Braves are in it to win it, and still have the amazing farm system the Phils dont have. Lets make a move, or if you feel that confident ( or should i say ..the wallet is cash strapped..cough cough..Liberty…WHERE ARE YOU ARTHUR BLANK!!!) than stick it out and move up blanco to cf..for good. If no player comes in to help out, hope this pans out..or Braves ownership will hear from everyone for no responding to the Phils big move. Man , I took the Braves winning it year in and year out for granted..Lets step it up, and come on..so many negative fans, of course the braves would start slumpin at some point..and the phillies arent gonna struggle all year. Lets rally behind Bobby and this Braves team.
Braves > Philles
and im sick of philly fans comin on this website and bashin the braves..when they start struggling..lets return the favor and go to philly.com – and leave some love as well!
Just cant wait for Chipper, McClouth, and Lowe’s salaries to come off the books! Reminds me of Mike Hamptons salary/ contract just lingering. I still think KK can contribute to this team..at least more effectively than Derek Lowe. Hell use KK as a set up..get him use to that role,,and have him really come in and dominate during that situation when the postseason rolls around. We will be playing in the playoffs.
Amarefan
July 30th, 2010
6:47 am
Chris Young . Cf. Arizona – .266 , 17 home runs, 63 RBI .333 OBP, .463 SLG – $3.5 MIL
Jose Bautista. Rf. Toronto – .256, 30 HR, 75 RBI, .366 OBP, .585 SLG- $2.4 MIL
Cory Hart. RF. Mil – .292, 22 HR, 70 RBI, .349 OBP, .568 OBP – $4.8 MIL
Dear Frank Wren, As a Braves fan the past couple of weeks have been great, and we cannot and I repeat CANNOT surrender this lead to this Phillies, because this rotations even gels together, or Chase Utley comes back. If we are gonna fight them to the end lets do it puttin the best team forward and givin it everything youve got as a organization. Above I have listed three players that could help in the outfield, that would allow Eric Hinske to focus more on the infield to allievate some pressure of Glaus, and give him some rest for the stretch run. Now do your homework, and see which one you can get out of the three without giving up a whole lot. Did you see what Ruben up there in philly was able to do, to get Oswalt. They gave up Happ ( haha) and average prospects at best, with one that has potential upside. I’m sure we could get one of the three above without putting a dent in our great farm system. For Corey Hart you could work the angle that he is coming off a wrist injury and could impact his long ball as that the Braves would be taking a risk on him. For Chris Young, the Dbacks are just tryin to get young again, and with all the firings of coaches and GM ..trading Haren..they have made it known they are trying to trade players. Young would cost good players to the extent like the other two would. Plus the athleticsism* of Heyward and Young would be phenomenal. And Jose Bautista..well obviously the Blue Jays wanna sell High on this guy..with this year he is havin. He is about to be thirty and already has a third on his total home runs this year. Lets make somethin happen! GO BRAVES.
59bulldawg
July 30th, 2010
7:43 am
No way would I trade Medlen. At present I’d rate him the third best starter behind Hudson and Jurjens. I think he’s even ahead of Hanson who seems to be less reliable . . . especially in the early innings this season. I’d love to get Adam Dunn but if we have to give up Medlen it’s a deal breaker for me. Plus I’m not so convinced that Mike Minor is ready yet.
space monkey
July 30th, 2010
7:56 am
Don’t look now, but we also need pitching. Lowe is a joke. And Hanson is sketchy. We need Greinke and some speed to counter the Phillies. We can’t manufacture runs. We rely on the big hit. Otherwise, we’re staying home in October. And for God’s sake, stay away from Berkman. All we need is another slow guy who occasionally hits.
Shug
July 30th, 2010
8:01 am
Ooooohhhh, the Phillies have the great Roy Oswalt.
Who?
The great Roy Oswalt.
You mean that run-of-the-mill pitcher that the Astros couldn’t wait to unload.
Uh yes, that guy.
Don
July 30th, 2010
8:08 am
The only team to lose in the NL east yesterday.
Cincy will sweep this lousy team, philly, a good team, will at least win 2/3 against wash and the lead will be a half game into next week. Some idiot said there was 8 reasons why they wouldn’t lose their lead. What a moron
Alan
July 30th, 2010
8:09 am
Oswalt doesn’t scare me. The braves pathetic offense does. And giving up as many runs to wash as they did.
don
July 30th, 2010
8:11 am
The Braves’s players need to earn their salaries. That is what is needed. Big bat? How about a little consistent production out of what is there now. Don’t overpay for someone else’s rubbish. There is no need for a panic trade. Someone needs to kidnap Wren and to hide him until Sunday morning. Otherwise, a disaster is likely.
BamaBill
July 30th, 2010
8:15 am
The bottom line is the Phillies were streaking WITHOUT Oswalt. Their dormant offesne has come alive, and that makes them dangerous regardless. With Oswalt, they are doubly so for he still has great stuff and a move to the Phillies will probably make him better.
The Braves undoubtedly need some offensive help (and maybe a 5th starter since Lowe has been mediocre to bad this year. They also need 1B relief..Maybe promote Freeman and trade some prospects for some offense-but no major Texeira type trade..
vermont 39
July 30th, 2010
8:16 am
Yunel is OVER and that is a good thing!!! He was poison to this team….you guys are the same ones that wanted to can Glaus in April and early May…it’s baseball folks…get your mind out of football mentality!!! We DO have a weak #3…whether or not we can limp into the finals with that weakness remains to be seen…but giving up the future is ridiculous…think Adam Wainright, Elvis Andrus, etc.
We are getting ready to make another run. This team is good, very good!!!!
jbrady
July 30th, 2010
8:17 am
the phils are just a better team than the braves. we made a nice run and will still probably finish with a decent record but it was just a matter of time. i will be very upset if wren pulls some desperation move to try and make the playoffs. this team has no chance to win a world series. our leading hr hitter has 14. the #2 starter in a playoff series would be ….. jurrjens? hanson? we need to look toward the future and keep our young players. just think if we had held onto andrus and feliz.
Amarefan
July 30th, 2010
8:22 am
and everyone needs to shut up about landing adam dunn. what give away a bunch of prospects..and give away those prospects to help someone within our division..i think not! plus hes gonna be a F/A at the end of the season. he will not be a lock to resign with Atlanta..plus he will be highly coveted by a lot of GM’s..and the braves wont be able to do get in a bid with other teams. Than if u dont resign him, the braves gave away a lot of talent potentially for a half yr rental. The braves need power hitting in the outfield. We are just gonna have to rely on Troy Glaus getting streaky again. We’ve got Freddy Freeman , waiting for his time to shine at first base..no need to go give away our young prospects to a division team..who will be better in years to come..for a position that doesnt need to be filled like..hmm..centerfield. If they dont get outfield help..they just need to keep Blanco as our everyday CF..and than see where Nate down the road , to see if he just needs to stay the year there. Dont just bring him up because he is making like 5 mil this year.But hey heard he was 2-5 w a home run in Gwinnett..thats a start!
Tami
July 30th, 2010
8:23 am
OK…YES! It is time to begin panicking. A team that has shown signs of contending in the playoffs for a greater portion of this season thus far, just dropped their 2nd straight series. And, to the Nats of all teams. The cellar-dwellers of the NL East. The Phillies won in extra innings last night, so the lead in the East is down to 2-1/2. I’m not suggesting the team makes a purely reactive move. I’d like to see them make a smart move & not rely on “I like our team, and I don’t think we need to change a thing” attitude. I watched the G-Braves’ game last night (which was a heck of a lot better than the A-Braves’ game yesterday), and I finally saw Freddie Freeman — the 1B prospect I’ve been hearing a lot about. Uhhhhh…WHY is he not up with the big club yet?? Glaus needs to go to the bench for a while and rest his knee, leg or whatever else ails him & give Freddie a chance. And the farm is FULL of pitchers! Why does the team need to look beyond its own system??? Get them up here, now — I say!
Clay
July 30th, 2010
8:28 am
With direction the Braves and Phillies are headed since the All Star break, the Phillies would be in first place without Oswalt. They may have spent money unnecessarily.
Phillistein
July 30th, 2010
8:36 am
Clay
July 30th, 2010
8:28 am
With direction the Braves and Phillies are headed since the All Star break, the Phillies would be in first place without Oswalt. They may have spent money unnecessarily
**********************************************************************************************************
Actually,
Between the money they got from Houston and the little kicker they gave Oswalt – the Phillies will pay approximately $13 million to have Oswalt for a season and a third.
Not too bad I’m thinking
Berwee
ben
July 30th, 2010
8:38 am
Plate Appearance…I believe that the Gonzalez trade is going to turn into ANOTHER MCLOUTH-LIKE TRADE for Wren, which the Braves certainly didn’t need.
Completely agree on that statement.
The Braves were doing great before the All-Star break…they trade Escobar…and now the team struggles. Coincidence? Not likely. You move one player out, put somebody else in…somehow, it doesn’t work as well anymore.