The latest rumors regarding a potential Roy Oswalt deal. Talks seem to be heating up now that Oswalt is clearly the best pitcher on the market:
- FOX Sports.Com’s Ken Rosenthal writes the Phillies know what the Astros want for Oswalt, and they believe they can satisfy them without having to acquire additional prospects in a deal for Jayson Werth, to turn around to use to acquire Oswalt. The Phillies though are still divided on whether to take on additional payroll while giving up additional prospects. The Cardinals are out of the race, which is weird considering Oswalt has been favoring to play for the Cardinals, more so than the Phillies. The Dodgers are still in it, but haven’t made any progress towards a deal.
- ESPN’s Buster Olney hears the Astros are working very hard to get something done on the Oswalt front. However, there are a lot of questions remaining, mainly concerning how many teams would be interested when you consider the cost in prospects along with Oswalt’s lucrative salary through the 2012 season.
- Rosenthal adds in his latest column, the Phillies would have to guarantee Oswalt his 2012 club option, in exchange for him waiving his no traude clause to go to Philadelphia. Oswalt still has no interest in going to Philadelphia, but other sources insist that location doesn’t matter, presumably if he’s getting paid all the money he’s owed through the remainder of his deal.
- The Astros are asking for J.A. Happ and additional prospects for Oswalt. The Phillies are concerned about gutting their farm system for so many big name players in the past couple of seasons. First in the Cliff Lee deal at last year’s trade deadline, where they gave up Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald and Lou Marson. Then in the offseason, they gave up Lee in addition to Kyle Drabek, Michael Taylor and Travis d’Arnaud for Roy Halladay. The injury to Shane Victorino also hasn’t made them feel any better about possibly trading Werth to gain more prospects. Domonic Brown, who is being called up today in place of Victorino, remains the teams best prospect.
- The Astros have asked the Dodgers for James Loney in addition to prospects.
- Rosenthal hears the Reds made a courtesy call inquiring on Oswalt. The Reds who could use a top ace in their rotation, were also in on Cliff Lee when he was available. No names were exchanged.
