Philadelphia Phillies Decline Options On Lidge And Oswalt

http://twitter.com/#!/Phillies/status/128562842260602880

The Philadelphia Phillies have declined 2012 club options for closer Brad Lidge and starter Roy Oswalt, according to a team statement.

Lidge, 34, will receive a $1.5 million buyout instead of $12.5 million in salary. The two-time All-Star managed to appear in just 25 games this season for the first place Philadelphia squad, and recorded just one save. His best season for Philadelphia came in 2008 when he closed 41 games for the Phillies and posted a 1.95 ERA.

Oswalt, also 34, will reportedly receive a $2 million buyout instead of $16 million salary. The right-hander missed time this season due to both injuries and personal issues. In 23 games started, the three-time All-Star posted a 9-10 record with a 3.69 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 139 innings pitched. For his career, Oswalt has posted a 159-93 record with a stellar 3.21 ERA in 11 seasons with the Houston Astros and the Phillies.