Roy Oswalt, Brad Lidge Have 2012 Options Declined

In an expected move, the Philadelphia Phillies have declined the options on starting pitcher Roy Oswalt and reliever Brad Lidge.  Oswalt was set to make $16 million next season if the Phillies would have decided to pick up the option, while Lidge was in line for $12.5 million.  Instead, Oswalt ($2 million) and Lidge ($1.5 million) will each receive buyouts.

Phillies’ general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told the media that he “will remain in contact with representatives for both players about the possibility of bringing them back for the 2012 season.  Amaro also noted that the two have “made significant contributions to the Phillies over the past several seasons”.

As for the players, Oswalt and Lidge’s agents both said that the pitchers are interested in returning to the Phillies next season.

Oswalt, a three-time all-star, ended up being Philadelphia’s fourth starter in 2011 behind Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels.  The right-hander spent some time on the disabled list and had a fairly up and down season.  Still, Oswalt was able to maintain a respectable 3.69 ERA over his 139 innings pitched.

If Oswalt’s age, price tag and rash of injuries in 2011 didn’t have the Phillies rethinking his future with the club, the emergence of Vance Worley did.  Logging 131 2/3 Major League innings this season, the rookie finished with a record of 11-3 and an ERA of 3.01.

Oswalt’s agent did say that he would be willing to come back to Philadelphia, but also mentioned that his agent would “like to see what else is out there”.  2012 will be the veteran’s first opportunity to test the free agent market and he’s planning on getting himself a taste of the action.

Lidge and his agent seem to be focusing on a return to Philadelphia, even knowing “the Phillies are going to sign Madson or somebody else to close”.  The aforementioned Ryan Madson is also a free agent, and Philadelphia figures to focus on getting him back or reaching a deal with another finisher rather than handing the closer’s role back to Lidge.

Though he was also limited by injuries, Lidge wasn’t too bad when he was on the mound during the regular season.  Over his 19 1/3 innings pitched, Lidge maintained an ERA of 1.40.  While he was able to finish with a strikeout rate north of 10, Lidge struggled with his command, issuing 13 walks.

For more on the Phillies, be sure to check out That Balls Outta Here.