MLB Trade Rumors: Cardinals Interested, But Astros Making It Hard To Move Roy Oswalt

One might’ve figured, following the Dan Haren trade to Anaheim, that the market was actually depressed, and that big-name players might be available for less than their rumored costs. According to the Cardinals, one would be wrong in assuming as much:

Roy Oswalt negotiations have been hindered by the Astros not wanting to deal him within the division, the Astros seeking a high-level return, and Oswalt being under contract for so much money. If the Cards can’t land him, then the rest of the market looks comparatively unappealing, and they may elect against making any move with Kyle Lohse and Brad Penny on the way back.

Ken Rosenthal has taken to correcting a report from yesterday:

The likelihood remains that Oswalt ends up in St. Louis, but then again, if the Astros don’t back down from their extraordinary demands, it’s entirely possible that nothing gets done.

Roy Oswalt has already made it clear (reportedly) that the Cardinals are his team of choice, should he be traded. But according to a report from the St. Louis Dispatch, Oswalt won’t be traded from the Astros without a payload of prospects.

A hefty sum to pay for a 32-year-old pitcher (not that Oswalt has shown any signs of age this season), although Oswalt would give the Cardinals one of the best rotations in the N.L. and perhaps the firepower needed to hold off the Reds and win the Central.

Roy Oswalt’s no-trade clause has been a major topic since rumors first started getting going, so this is therefore pretty significant news:

It doesn’t entirely come as a surprise, but it serves as confirmation, and may possibly indicate that, for St. Louis, Oswalt would drop his demand to have his 2012 option picked up.

Already interested in adding a starting pitcher before, the Phillies’ pursuit of Roy Oswalt seems to be getting hot and heavy. From a couple outlets:

Ed Price