From Brian McTaggart: [rquoter] Teams with scouts here watching Oswalt: Dodgers, Phillies, Rays and Mets. [/rquoter]
Very nice couple of starts for Oswalt's potential trade value. His ERA had ballooned to over 3.5 with that poor start in Arlington... after today, he's back to a 3.08 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. Good work, Roy.
Good stuff from Roy, can only help his value and with about 3 more starts before the deadline he needs more of these.
Cliff Lee is about to get traded to the Yanks, this should be a huge boost for the Stros in trying to move Oswalt now that the only clear cut better option would be taken up.
Yeah, Rangers, Rays, Mets, Twins, Dodgers still teams out there. Is Oakland selling Ben Sheets? I could see him getting moved before Roy but again, there will still be some teams out there.
Ridiculous. The Yankees are already the best freaking team, and they are going to add another ace to an already loaded staff.
I have a buddy who used to work with the Mets/still knows some people. About Oswalt, he's heard: I'm assuming if we took OP, the Mets would be picking up the tab on Oswalt's entire salary. Anyone know anything about these prospects?
I know everything is just rumor and speculation right now, but the team that makes the most sense is the Rays, especially now that the Yankees are reportedly on the verge of getting Lee. They have the prospects and the need, not to mention the connections in the front office (Hunsicker) and pitching staff (Hickey).
The big question with them is whether they want that contract. I think they have several free agents coming up that they will need to spend on to keep that team together. If so, they might not want to have to deal with Oswalt's contract next year. Plus, they have a super-prospect in waiting (Jeremy Hellickson), but 5 pretty decent starters right now. If they have an opening for another starter, they could just plug him in. If I'm the Rays, I think I'm looking at Berkman more than Oswalt. They need the extra offense, have an open spot for him at DH, and he's not locked in after this year.
The Rays owner is on record: "By any means necessary. We'll do whatever -- money won't be an object. Players are always an object for us. And the money will be an impediment, but we'll figure it out if it makes all the sense in the world for this team.''
Oswalt doesn't make sense for them because pitching is their strength. They lead the AL in ERA. Berkman on the other hand makes perfect sense for them. Pena and Aybar just aren't getting it done at 1B/DH. Berkman's been there in tight playoff races and playoff series, and he has performed very well in those times. He just needs to stay hot this month to really attract teams.
@Ken_Rosenthal: Oswalt ruling out #Tigers, #WhiteSox, others.#MLB @Ken_Rosenthal: Source: Market for Oswalt "slow," could heat up post-Lee. Couple of teams in. Roy O has no-trade. #Astros reluctant to pick up big $$$. #MLB
I agree - it's weird that they seem to be interested in pitching. There was talk about a BJ Upton - Cliff Lee deal a few days ago. I just don't see the need. They've got Price and Neimann with sub-3 ERAs, and Shields and Garza make great 3/4 pitchers. If they aren't happy with either one or Wade Davis (their #5), bring up Hellickson instead of trading anyone for Lee or Oswalt. On the flipside, their offense is a mess. I would think they'd be focusing on that, but none of the rumors seem to indicate that.
Like I mentioned earlier, Lee being gone might open up some talks for Oswalt if the Stros lighten up on their demands. Talk to the Yanks, ask for Montero and some A ball guys with potential and see what happens. Salary to them is irrelevant and with Burnett sucking along with Hughes in danger of getting shutdown or at least limited due to innings they will be looking for a starter to lock up the title.
I dunno about Montero. I've heard he's a lazy player with attitude. I think his manager at SWB even sat him out to give him a little attitude adjustment. He's not even playing very well right now.
I think there is a reasonable chance that Oswalt is still with the 'stros on the final day of the season. I'm thinking of the fact that the money issue will be alleviated somewhat, as well as the way that the Halladay trade played out. I'm guessing he either gets traded in the offseason, or at next years deadline.
It seems pretty inefficient (to me) to do it that way. Would you rather pay Oswalt $15MM for one full season + post season, or $20MM for one full season, one partial seasion, and 2 post seasons? You only want him and his salary if you're good enough to be in contention - it seems like you have a much better idea of if you'll be in contention THIS year than next, so the biggest value comes from having him the 2nd half of this year.
