ESPN’s Jayson Stark provided the latest Roy Oswalt rumors yesterday involving the Red Sox, Phillies, Rangers, Reds and Cardinals. Stark checked a few clubs off the list while giving fans an idea of who’s still seriously in the running for Oswalt.
Stark came right out and said that Oswalt to the Rangers is “not gonna happen” even though Texas is apparently Roy’s top choice. The Rangers would allow Oswalt to play closer to his Mississippi home, but it’s unknown if Texas has the budget or opportunity for the veteran right-hander.
Next up was the Phillies. Like the Rangers, Stark says an Oswalt-Philadelphia reunion isn’t going to happen. Statements made by Philadelphia’s general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. seem to confirm this sentiment.
The Reds kept getting thrown into the Oswalt mix, but GM Walk Jocketty has shot down rumor after rumors. Stark agrees, stating that Oswalt isn’t likely to head to Cincinnati.
This leaves the Red Sox and Cardinals. Stark doesn’t get the feeling that Oswalt wants to pitch in Boston, but the Red Sox have a more clear need for a starting pitcher. Boston has said that they are unlikely to make any significant additions before Spring Training. Still, it’s hard to say what could happen at this point of the offseason with a player such as Oswalt remaining on the open market.
Stark hears from Oswalt’s friends that the 34-year-old would love to play in St. Louis, which would also allow him to be relatively close to his home. However, if Oswalt lands with the Cardinals, Stark says it will have to be on St. Louis’s terms.
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