Assessing the Roy Oswalt situation

The top story in baseball this week has been that of Roy Oswalt requesting to be traded. Oswalt, the Houston Astros' ace for the past 10 years, is tired of coming up short and not playing for a contending team. Like most players, he does not want to be part of a rebuilding process years in the making. Oswalt, easily one of the most underrated aces in baseball, has had 6 seasons with an ERA under 3.00 (including this season) and has won 20 games back to back from 2004-2005. After reaching the World Series in 2005, the Astros have not been a contending team. Now, Oswalt, 32, wants out. He wants to play for a contending team. He's listed teams he wants to play for such as: the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, and St. Louis Cardinals. However some, such as Buster Olney, believe that it will be difficult for the Astros to deal the ace. Oswalt has two years remaining on his contract (the last year being an option) and is owed $29 million. At 32 going 33, many feel that Oswalt may not have many good years left. As well, Oswalt has pitched in the weak NL Central his whole career, causing many to be unsure as to how that would translate in the AL, where the league is no doubt tougher.
So, where are some possible places Oswalt could end up by the July 31st trading deadline?

New York Yankees
Though many are skeptical that the Yankees wouldn't be interested, I wouldn't be surprised if they attempted to make a move for the ace. With Javy Vazquez suffering from a shaky season, with the exception of this past 2 starts, the Yanks may opt for a pitcher who they feel will transition better into that spot in the rotation. As well, the Yankees would be able to make this trade without having to give up top prospect and catcher, Jesus Montero. You wonder, "how could they pull that off? Oswalt is an ace!" The answer is simple: Jason Castro. In 2008, the Astros selected catcher Jason Castro out of Stanford with the 10th overall pick in the draft. Castro, now the Astros' top prospect, is viewed as the catcher of the future. So why would they need Montero? They wouldn't. I believe a possible deal would be constructed as such: The Yankees send RHP Zach McAllister, 2B David Adams, 1B Juan Miranda and RHP David Phelps to Houston for Roy Oswalt. Imagine a rotation of Sabathia, Oswalt, Burnett, Pettitte and Hughes/Vazquez. Scary!

New York Mets
Reportedly the most interested team, the only thing stopping the Mets from making a deal is money. Could one imagine a 1-3 of Santana, Oswalt and Pelfrey? Wow. The Mets would actually have a chance of competing. So, what would the Mets have to give? My guess would be something along the lines of SS Reuben Tejada, RHP Chris Schwinden, LHP Jon Niese, and possibly RHP Kyle Allen. There's only one problem here: the money situation. The Mets are cheap right now and aren't looking to take on any more salary. As well, the team is in last place. That doesn't exactly seem like a contending team to me.

Atlanta Braves
Are the Braves going to go all out for Bobby Cox's last season? Possibly. The Braves have been rumored as a team Oswalt would approve a trade to. However, one problem the Braves have is that they have too much starting pitching. Tommy Hanson, Tim Hudson, Kenshin Kawakami, Derek Lowe and Kris Medlen all have locked down spots in the rotation. It doesn't seem like the Braves have place for Oswalt. As well, I'm not sure that they would be ready to deplete their farm system. They'd probably have to give up RHP Arodys Vizcaino, 1B Freddie Freeman, and SS Brandon Hicks.

Washington Nationals
Surprised? Thought so. Yes, the Nationals, having a decent season, are in it to win it. They've reportedly been discussing a trade for Oswalt. Imagine a rotation that would include Oswalt, Steven Strasburg, Livan Hernandez, and John Lannan? That'd be pretty good. But, will the Nationals take on Oswalt's $15 million salary? That's the real question for me. And, would Oswalt approve a trade to Washington? They'd have to give up 3B Tim Pahuta, RHP Brad Peacock, and RHP Daniel Rosenbaum. Hard to imagine Oswalt in Washington.

Texas Rangers
Would Roy approve a trade to Texas' other team? The Rangers would be an ideal fit for Oswalt. The Rangers are currently in 1st place in the AL West. As well, this would work out because Oswalt would not have to move states and he would be able to stay in Texas. The Rangers to me, are the perfect fit. That doesn't mean, however, that they are willing to make the trade. As I've said, $15 million is A LOT of money. As well, would the Rangers want to deplete one of the best farm systems in baseball? You know they'd have to give up LHP Derek Holland, 2B Matt Lawson, LHP Michael Kirkman, and OF Joey Butler.

St. Louis Cardinals
Unlikely. The Cardinals are in the NL Central. I doubt the Astros would deal within the division and want to deal with Oswalt for years to come. As well, the Cardinals don't have the pieces that the Astros would want. Their farm system is terrible.

Minnesota Twins
An ideal fit. The Twins have been searching for an ace since Johan Santana's departure. The Twins are in 1st place, and Oswalt would be a great addition. Imagine Oswalt pitching at Target Field, what a scene. The Twins are reportedly increasing payroll this year and beyond in order to contend, thus allowing them to take on Oswalt. The Twins also have a great farm system. They'd have to give 3B Danny Valencia, RHP Liam Hendricks, RHP Bruce Pugh, and 1B Brock Peterson. The Twins would be a great fit.

So what's most likely?
1. Rangers
2. Yankees
3. Twins
4. Braves
5. Mets
6. Nationals
7. Cardinals