Roy Oswalt Rumors: Red Sox, Reds and Cardinals Edition
By Editorial Staff
Just as it appears we might be nearing an end to the Roy Oswalt saga, reports surface suggesting otherwise. Two weekends ago the Cardinals were nearing a deal for Oswalt. Then they weren’t. The Rangers were the next club to step up to the plate, only they couldn’t deliver either. The Red Sox, Reds and Phillies don’t sound like favorites to ink the right-hander. We know that someone will eventually sign Oswalt, so let’s take a look at the latest rumors involving the veteran hurler and the Cardinals, Red Sox and Reds.
Yesterday we discoveredthat the Reds had kicked the tires on Oswalt nearly a week ago. Though he admitted having some level of interest in the 34-year-old, Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said that he hadn’t spoken to Oswalt’s camp in some time.
Late last night FOX Sports reported that the Reds have continued speaking with Oswalt. FOX heard that Cincinnati would have to first clear payroll before signing Oswalt, who still prefers to pitch for the Rangers and Cardinals.
While Oswalt may have interest in the Cardinals, St. Louis’s GM John Mozeliak said last night that he’s not expecting to make any significant moves before Spring Training. Mozeliak added that he will continue to look to improve his team, but Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the Cardinals are trying to maintain their current payroll.
Finally there is the Red Sox. Boston has been in the mix for Oswalt ever since the veteran told teams he would sign a one-year deal. Though the facts say otherwise, the Oswalt-to-Boston rumors fail to die.
Alex Speier of WEEI.com released another report this morning that isn’t likely to please Red Sox fans hoping to see Oswalt land in Boston. Speier heard from a source that there is “no traction” in talks between the Red Sox and Oswalt. Speier added that there is always a possibility a deal ultimately gets done, though an agreement doesn’t seem likely at this time.
Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said last week that it’s unlikely that Boston will add a starting pitcher before Spring Training.
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