Another day, another Roy Oswalt rumor. Oswalt is still on the market, and clubs continue to deny interest in the veteran starter. Well, all but one team has denied interest, but we found out yesterday that Oswalt rebuffed the Pirates offer. News came out involving the Reds and Phillies as well yesterday, but nothing that signals an end to the Oswalt sweepstakes is approaching. Meanwhile, the Red Sox, Rangers and Cardinals all remain in the mix for the right-hander.
The one team that has expressed interest in Oswalt this offseason has been turned away. Rob Biertempfelof the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review tweeted yesterday that the Pirates inquired about Oswalt and were willing to enter into the bidding. However, Oswalt apparently rebuffed the Buccos.
Another pair of clubs that have been tied to Oswalt of late find themselves on the other end of the spectrum. The Reds and Phillies have each reportedly remained in contact with Oswalt and his representation, but the general managers of each club came out yesterday indicating otherwise.
Reds GM Walt Jocketty was emphatic with his comments, stating that the Oswalt-to-Cincinnati talks are “all rumors” and that he’s “sick and tired of it”. Jocketty added that the Reds haven’t engaged in “serious talks” with Oswalt and that they’ve had “no contact with the player”.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro didn’t sound as agitated when discussing Oswalt, though he did indicate that Philadelphia is where they want to be at this point roster-wise. While he doesn’t think Oswalt would mind coming back to Philadelphia, Amaro doesn’t believe a move would be feasible.
Oswalt has made it clear that his first choices would be to join the Rangers and Cardinals, though it’s unclear how interested Texas and St. Louis are in the 34-year-old. The Red Sox have also been thrown into the mix, but yesterday it was reported that there’s “no traction” in the Oswalt-to-Boston talks.
You can follow Call to the Pen on Twitter at @FSCalltothePen or like us here on Facebook.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.