For the fourth July in a row, the Phillies have traded for a starting pitcher at the non-waiver trade deadline. In 2007 it was Kyle Lohse, in 2008 it was Joe Blanton, in 2009 it was Cliff Lee and now in 2010 it is Roy Oswalt. The Phillies acquired Houston’s ace for a package that includes J.A. Happ and prospects Anthony Gose (CF) and Jonathan Villar (SS). Houston is also picking up $11M of the remaining $24M guaranteed on Oswalt’s deal (~$5M this year, $16M in 2011 and $3M buyout of 2012, or $16M if the Phillies pick up his option). More after the jump.

Oswalt will immediately step in and give the Phillies one of the best rotations in baseball (Giants and Cardinals still have them beat) as long as he can stay healthy. So far this season he is 6-12 despite a 3.42 ERA in 129 innings pitched. He has 120 strikeouts and is averaging 8.4 K/9 with a 120 ERA+. There is no doubt the Phillies are getting a fantastic pitcher in Oswalt and now boast a fantastic top three for their playoff push down the stretch.

Oswalt is 4-0 with a 2.60 ERA in 4 career starts at Citizen’s Bank Park with 25 Ks in 27.2 IP. He should be ready for the playoff push as well. In 91 career regular season starts in August, September and October, Oswalt is 56-16 with a 2.79 ERA and 505 Ks in 606 IP for 7.5 K/9.

With this deal, the Phillies have fleeced the Astros for Billy Wagner, Brad Lidge (and Eric Bruntlett!), Roy Oswalt  and $11M for Brandon Duckworth, Taylor Buchholz, Ezequiel Astacio, Michael Bourn, Geoff Geary, Mike Costanzo, Happ, Gose and Villar. Well done Ed Wade, Pat Gillick and Rube, respectively.

Oswalt is expected to start his first game as a Phillie tomorrow night in Washington.