Roy Oswalt’s Past Foreshadows Dominance In Game Two

You can hear it from miles away. It’s been growing louder and louder since Wednesday’s Game 1 of the National League Division Series between the Phillies and Reds.

The collective shaking knees of the Cincinnati faithful.

They know what’s coming, and so does everyone else. Heck, its one of the worst kept secrets in baseball. Roy Oswalt owns the Cincinnati Reds.

In his first postseason appearance since 2005, Oswalt will start game 2 of the NLDS against a team he grew to know quite well throughout his tenure in the Central Division with the Houston Astros. In 32 starts against the Reds, the right-hander has gone 23-3, with a 2.81 ERA.

That’s the type of ownage you buy label makers for.

On top of that Oswalt is no stranger to the playoff atmosphere. He posted a playoff record of 4-0, with an ERA of 3.66 during his tenure with Houston.

If the Reds are looking for optimism for tonight’s game, they really have to search.

Ryan Hanigan will draw the start, as he is the usual catcher for Game 2 Starting Pitcher Bronson Arroyo.  Hanigan is .000 in 3 plate appearances against Oswalt.

The other short-list standout is Outfielder Laynce Nix, who boasts a gaudy average of .529 against Oswalt.  In 18 plate appearances, Nix is 9-for-17 with 2 homers and 4 RBIs. Nix, who is only making his second start since August, is only starting in Left Field on Friday due to his inexplicable success against the righty.

“He’s the best we’ve got against Oswalt,” said Reds Manager Dusty Baker Thursday.

I think that sums it up. In Baker’s mind, Nix is the best they have to combat Oswalt.

Nix the .243 career hitter.

Nix who will only be making his second start since August.

Nix who has only appeared in five games since coming off the disabled list in mid September.

Nix who recently admitted that the ankle, which sidelined him, is “not 100 percent.”

It doesn’t sound like that’s going to silence those trembling Cincinnati knees.

Get the label maker ready Roy.