Roy Oswalt Rumors: Dodgers Make Offer to Oswalt

The Los Angeles Dodgers have offered a contract to free agent starting pitcher Roy Oswalt, according to Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports.  It was reported this weekend that Oswalt had worked out for the Dodgers, though it wasn’t clear if the team had a legitimate shot at signing the right-hander.  Brown added that the Texas Rangers and other clubs are still in the mix for Oswalt.  These other clubs figure to include the St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles and Milwaukee Brewers.

This weekend it was reported that the largest factor in Roy Oswalt’s ultimate decision of where to pitch this season could be money.  While Oswalt was initially interested in joining a club that was expected to contend for a World Series crown that played close to his Mississippi home, the 34-year-old may now be inclined to pitch for the team that offers him the largest contract.

It’s unclear just how large that contract will have to be, though it’s been reported that Oswalt is seeking a pro-rated $7.5 million.  While some believe this number is unrealistic, most expect the veteran to command more than the $2.5 million Andy Pettitte received from the New York Yankees earlier this year.

The Dodgers rotation, which includes 2011 Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, Ted Lilly, Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang, has pitched well this season.  LA starters currently sport the second lowest ERA in the majors, 2.99.

Lilly was just placed on the DL yesterday, and the club could be interested in improving their pitching depth.  LA has recalled 22-year-old Nathan Eovaldi to replace Lilly in their rotation for the time being, but the Dodgers may want a more veteran presence as they look to maintain the best record in Major League Baseball.

For more on the Dodgers be sure to check out Lasorda’s Lair.