Big time extension for Oswalt!

[Havok1517]

Roy Oswalt-S- Astros Aug. 30 - 12:51 am et


Astros signed RHP Roy Oswalt to a five-year, $73 million contract extension through 2011 with a mutual option for 2012.

A whopper. Oswalt had one more year of arbtration remaining after making $11 million this year. He's now due to receive $13 million in each of the next two years, $14 million in 2009, $15 million in 2010 and $16 million in 2011. The amount of the option wasn't disclosed, but there's a $2 million buyout. Assuming that Oswalt would have made about $13 million next year anyway, what the Astros are really doing is buying four free agency years for $60 million. It's a fair price given his talent, though committing to any pitcher for such a length of time is a big risk. Oswalt's strikeout rate has steadily dipped, his batting-average against has increased and he has had oblique issues. A decline over the next few years is a real possibility.
rotoworld

[mweir145]

I guess that will put to rest any trade rumours with Oswalt's name involved for a while. I was actually hoping the Jays might end up trading for him in the offseason.

Big price though, I'm really liking that 3 year-40M Halladay extension a few months ago more and more.

[tinfoilxtouch]

It's honestly less than I expected him to be paid. Even at $70m, he gave them a hometown discount. Zito is going to easily get more than this come November. As a huge Wizard fan, I'm happy to see him stay in the NL though.

[Amazing Oopah]

This one could come back to haunt them, but they needed to lock up their ace, so I guess it's a good move in that regard.

[avstars]

I think it's a good move to lock Oswalt for the Astros. Pettitte may retire soon and who knows when Clemens will retire.