MLB Rumors: Phillies Have Deal in Place for Roy Oswalt, Oswalt OK’s Deal

It looks like, for better or for worse, Roy Oswalt’s days appear to be over with the only club he’s called home, if he wants it that way.

It’s been reported by FOX 26 in Houston that a deal has been agreed upon between the Phillies and Astros that will see Roy Oswalt head to the “City of Brotherly Love.” The only thing standing in the way of this deal is Oswalt’s no-trade clause. It all depends whether he chooses to veto the trade.

“Sources have told the TV station the teams have agreed on the amount of money Houston would take back in the deal and the teams have reached an accord on which players the Phillies would send the Astros.”

So with all the fine details in place, the ball is now in Oswalt’s court. Have a chance to pitch in a rotation that features Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, J.A. Happ, and Jamie Moyer, or stay in the only place he’s called home. 

Oswalt’s remaining contract sees him make $5 million for the remainder of the season, while making $16 million the following season (2011), and in 2012, there’s a club option for $16 million and a $2 million buy-out.

Oswalt, 32, is 6-12 with a 3.42 ERA this season with the Astros. Oswalt’s record isn’t indicative of how well he’s performing this year, though. Due to a lack of run support, Oswalt has seen his win total dwindle.

With 143 career wins, Oswalt remains one win shy of tying legendary Astros pitcher Phil Niekro for all-time wins in franchise history.

If Oswalt decides on Philadelphia, he will be heading to a team only 3.5 games out of the playoffs, and now with another strong anchor on their already impressive pitching staff. I, for one, would like to see Oswalt get the attention he deserves, and a move to Philadelphia might be good for his career.

EDIT: According to ESPN’s Jayson Spark, Oswalt plans to OK the deal between the two teams, meaning Oswalt will become a member of the Phiiladelphia Phillies

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Philadelphia Phillies on the Cusp of Dealing Jayson Werth?

It appears that Jayson Werth’s days are numbered in Philadelphia. According to reports by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports and others, the Phillies are discussing a deal that could see them land a top of the rotation starter. 

With the recent elbow injury to Phillies 47-year-old starter Jamie Moyer, the Phillies could be in need of a starter soon.

Jayson Stark and Buster Olney of ESPN believe that the Phillies are discussing a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. It appears outfielder Jayson Werth and possibly pitcher J.A. Happ are at the center of these talks.

Jayson Werth appears to be one of the Phillies greatest trade assets on their current roster. Having a more cap-friendly contract and a power bat, Werth appears destined to be dealt by the July 31 trading deadline.  By moving Jayson Werth, this would open up a roster spot for top notch prospect Dominic Brown, as he tries to cement himself in pro baseball.

There are many top-line starters available such as Roy Oswalt, Dan Haren, Ben Sheets, James Shields, and many more. 

Oswalt would be a dream come true for the Phillies had he signed a more salary cap friendly contract. He seems like an unlikely target for the Phillies, but stranger things have happened. 

Shields is a decent young pitcher, but is prone to giving up the long ball—a bad habit to have if you pitch in the hitter-friendly Citizen’s Bank Ballpark. 

As for Haren, the Phillies have the assets to get him, but according to some reports, the two teams haven’t even talked.

I would stay away from Sheets if I were the Phillies. Sheets’s fastball is nothing like it used to be, it’s straighter and he’s getting hit harder as a result.

Who do you believe Werth is going to and what could be the return?

The Source: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/07/phillies-discussing-major-trade.html

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com