Roy Oswalt and 3 Other Pitchers the Blue Jays Could Use Against the AL East

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With Roy Oswalt, the Blue Jays' rotation would definitely look a lot better, but what are the other options out there?

With the last spot in the Blue Jays' rotation still a big question mark, is Alex Anthopoulos exploring any possibilities?

In my opinion Roy Oswalt is a pretty nice fit for the Blue Jays. With a consistent career and seeking only a one-year deal, he won't be much of a risk.

There are three more options I have explored that could instantly add some depth to the Blue Jays and help them compete against the more polished rotations of the American League.

Chad Billingsley

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Chad Billingsley is a very underrated pitcher, mainly hidden behind the owner of the pitching triple crown in front of him.

He has been consistent throughout his six years of service and is an innings-eater, something the Blue Jays desperately need. He had a bit of a down year last season, and the ownership problems with the Dodgers are most likely to drive the asking price down.

His high ground-ball tendency would work well with the above-average defense of the Toronto infield and will favor him more if he starts to pitch in home-run parks including Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park and Rogers Centre.

Madison Bumgarner

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Madison Bumgarner is a very talented pitcher and is another hidden pitcher behind ace Tim Lincecum and co-ace Matt Cain.

He keeps the ball on the ground. Combined with high strikeout rate and low walk rate, he has the stuff to be a great No. 2 starter behind Ricky Romero. He's young and under control for a few more years, something that Alex Anthopoulos likes in talented baseball players.

His trade value is sky high after a breakout season in 2011 but is well worth the price. You get what you pay for and a trade between the Blue Jays and the Giants would work out well for both teams.

The Blue Jays possibly send over a package of offensive players consisting of: Travis Snider, Kelly Johnson and a pitching prospect like Asher Wojciechowski. Freddy Sanchez comes over to open up some roster space with Madison Bumgarner to complete the deal.

Roy Oswalt

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Roy Oswalt is easily the most coveted free agent left, and he would fit perfectly into the Blue Jays' plans. Seeking only a one-year deal, Alex Anthopoulos wouldn't hesitate to sign him to such a low-risk contract.

He is consistent and would be a veteran presence on a starting rotation full of young arms trying to find their zone.

The only concern is that Roy Oswalt reportedly narrowed down his team options to two known contenders, the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Scott Kazmir

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Scott Kazmir has gone through a lot in the past few years. In terms of pitching, his velocity has mysteriously dropped along with a rise in ERA every year since 2008. Contract-wise, he has been traded after four good years in Tampa and then released by the Angels in 2011.

He has talent, shown by his seasons in Tampa Bay from 2004-2007, and could possibly return to that form. Ever since 2007 he has been using his slider less and fastball more. That pretty much left him as a two-pitch pitcher and very predictable.

He is still only 27, and, if Alex Anthopoulos could get a very team-friendly contract with team options, Scott Kazmir might just be pitching for the Jays in 2012.