As many National League fans already know, right-handed pitcher Roy Oswalt has worn the number 44 for his entire big-league career, which began with 9 ½ stellar seasons with the Houston Astros before a 2010 deadline trade to the Philadelphia Phillies.
If rumors that the 36-year-old is on the verge of signing with the St. Louis Cardinals for 2012 come to reality, the question will arise as to whether his favored uniform jersey number is available.
Fortunately, the answer appears to be “yes.”
New Cardinals Carlos Beltran (#3) and J.C. Romero (#16) have settled on different digits. And frankly, having Oswalt, a three-time All-Star and winner of 159 career games sporting those number 44 threads would represent a considerable upgrade from its deployment in recent years.
Last season, the Cardinals broke spring camp with non-roster invitee Miguel Batista donning the number 44. After the 40-year-old pitched himself off the team, the uni was passed on to another veteran, outfielder Corey...
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