Roy Oswalt wants to pitch for the Rangers, but the Rangers don't have room. Roy Oswalt wants to pitch for the Cardinals, but the Cardinals don't have room. Roy Oswalt reportedly isn't interested in pitching for the Pirates. The Reds denied that they're going after Roy Oswalt. Roy Oswalt reportedly isn't interested in pitching for the Red Sox, at least for now.
Phillies Loom As Possible Roy Oswalt (Re-)Destination
Source says there’s “no sense of progress” in any talks between #RedSox and Roy Oswalt
Now what? Where is Roy Oswalt supposed to go? We look towards Jayson Stark:
#Phillies have called around to see if it's possible to move Joe Blanton to open payroll space for Roy Oswalt.
Amaro admitted Phillies have had “dialogue” with Oswalt but said fitting him now isn’t feasible.
Fitting Roy Oswalt isn't presently feasible because the Phillies are just about out of payroll space. That Jonathan Papelbon contract keeps on giving and giving, and it's not even started yet. But you know what would clear payroll space and a roster spot? Moving Joe Blanton, who is due $8.5 million this season.
Of course, that’s much, much easier said than done. Blanton had physical problems a year ago. He posted a 78 ERA+. He posted an 85 ERA+ the year before that. It’s unlikely that some team’s going to be willing to take Blanton on at his price. His price being free in one regard, and not free in another.
But the Phillies have pulled off some magical moves before, so they’re a team to monitor at least a little bit. Generally speaking, when the Phillies want something, they get it. How badly do the Phillies want Roy Oswalt?
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