Around the Majors: Oswalt is the Opening Day starter

1) The Astros named Roy Oswalt their Opening Day starter.

After 3.01 ERA/33 RSAA and 2.97 ERA/21 RSAA seasons, Oswalt had a 3.49 ERA/22 RSAA in 35 starts (36 games). He has a 3.11 career ERA, compared to his league average of 4.26, and 105 RSAA in 120 games.

Only 4 active pitchers had more RSAA than Oswalt, through the age of 26–

RSAA 
1    Pedro Martinez              177   
2    Roger Clemens               175   
3    Mike Mussina                127   
4    Barry Zito                  116   
5    Roy Oswalt                  105   
6    Tim Hudson                  104   
7    Mark Buehrle                102   
8    Johan Santana                86   
T9   Greg Maddux                  84   
T9   Roy Halladay                 84   
T9   Andy Pettitte                84   

2) The Marlins sent Ps Ronald Belisario, Michael Flannery, Kevin Cave, Trevor Hutchinson, Josh Johnson, Mike Neu and Scott Olsen to the minors.

3) The Cubs sent OF Adam Greenberg, Cs Jose Reyes and Robinson Cancel and Ps Roberto Novoa, David Crouthers, Raul Valdez to the minors.

4) The Mets released Ps Joey Hamilton and Lance Davis.

Hamilton was signed to a minor league contract earlier in the week, but was released after he was arrested yesterday on DWI charges. Davis was released for missing curfew.

5) The Yankees sent P Danny Borrell to the minors.

6) The Padres placed P Miguel Asencio on the 60 day DL and added P Darrell May to the 40 man roster.

Asencio missed the entire 2004 season, due to Tommy John surgery. He has a 5.14 ERA/2 RSAA in 39 career games.

After 5.35 ERA/-1 RSAA and 3.77 ERA/32 RSAA seasons, May had a 5.61 ERA/-25 RSAA in 31 starts. He has a 4.98 career ERA, compared to his league average of 4.55, and -6 RSAA in 137 games.

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