Oswalt or Worley? The Debate Rages On

There is a large contingent of Philadelphia Phillies fans out there that have been clamoring for rookie phenom Vance Worley to get the nod over Roy Oswalt as a potential Game 4 playoff starter.  Apparently, some folks forget what Roy Oswalt meant to this team down the stretch last season, and too willing to overlook his experience and pedigree, in favor of the guy who has been captivating in his 25 games in the major leagues. 

I understand that Vance Worley has turned heads with his unflappable mound presence. I am fully aware of his 9 straight wins, and the team having won his last 14 starts. I too am impressed by his 11-1 record and his 2.85 ERA. The kid is fun to watch, there is no disputing that.

Roy Oswalt came to the Phillies last year and was dominant. He started this year off the same way. Then the back issue came calling and Oswalt was put on the shelf, received a couple of injections into his aching back and slowly rehabbed his way back to the team.

In 5 real starts since his return from the disabled list, Roy Oswalt is 3-2. He has given up 14 earned runs in 33 innings pitched for a 3.82 ERA. That's not sterling. Nor is it vintage Oswalt. It is actually more representative of a pitcher who is trying to find his way back from injury. His 8 inning scoreless performance against the Nationals was vintage Oswalt though. So it's still there.

Oswalt is 157-91 in his career with a 3.21 ERA and 1,735 strikeouts. In the postseason in his career he is 5-1 with a 3.39 ERA.

By contrast, Vance Worley is 12-2 in his career of 25 games. He has a shiny 2.70 ERA, but has zero playoff experience. Worley is young and could be a nice piece to have out of the bullpen in the playoffs. Worley at 23 is much more likely to be able to adjust to a role in the bullpen than the 33 year old Oswalt. Worley has a lot of upside and potential, but I'm not ready to throw him in as the game 4 starter of any playoff series.

Oswalt's experience speaks for itself. I'm not saying that Oswalt should be the starter just because he's Roy Oswalt. But I don't think you can hand the job to Vance Worley because he's put together a good 25 games. Other pitchers have done that too. The last time the Phillies had a horse in the rookie of the year race, it was JA Happ. Happ went 12-4 in 2009 with a 2.93 ERA. Pretty similar numbers to Worley. He was dealt to Houston last year for Roy Oswalt. He is currently 5-15 with a 5.71 ERA. So I don't think I have to tell you what could happen. I'm not saying it will happen to Worley, but there is always that chance.

I believe Roy Oswalt deserves every chance in these final 3 weeks of the season to show that he is healthy. If he even remotely looks healthy, he has to be the 4th starter. He deserves it and he's earned it. Oswalt has the experience to rely on.

The Philadelphia Phillies stand on the precipice of capping off an amazing season. After last night's win (yes, another for Vance Worley) the Phillies are a major league best 90-48. This team is aging and their so-called "window of opportunity" may be beginning to close. The Phillies can win another Championship. It is within their grasp.

Whether the Phillies and Charlie Manuel opt to go with the youngster Vance Worley or the seasoned veteran Roy Oswalt may be a difference maker in determining their level of success in the postseason. I, for one, just hope they make the right choice. Whatever that choice is.