Roy Oswalt may have two wins under his belt with the Texas Rangers but there are causes for concern.
Analysis: Lost in the mid season comeback for the veteran is the fact he has yet to face American League batters on a consistent basis. It’s one thing to dominate the National League in your prime but it is an entirely different animal against the AL at thirty-four years old on the decline.
There are positives here, Oswalt K’d 12 batters in 12.1 innings pitched while only walking three batters in the process. Obviously the two wins are huge and he will continue to get solid run support from that powerful Texas lineup. However, there are a few reasons to be concerned. Oswalt’s fastball just has not been the same over the past year plus, resulting in a career low 6.02 K/9 last year with the Phils. Oswalt also allowed twenty-two hits in those two starts giving him a 1.97 WHIP for the time being.
I’m not saying Roy Oswalt is washed up by any means… he will produce this year, but fantasy baseball success is about capitalizing on hype and there is no shortage of hype regarding the righty. It’s time to sell high before owners catch on that he’s just a 3.9 ERA type of starter these days.