Houston Astros P Roy Oswalt: Five Possible Destinations

Roy Oswalt has reportedly asked the Houston Astros to trade him. He is owed quite a bit of dough so he won't be easy to deal. He will get $15 million for 2010 and 2011. In 2012, there's a club option for another $16 million, or a $2 million buyout.

Good luck taking that salary on.

He also has had groin and back troubles. Given the salary and injuries, the Astros may not get a lot back. He is off to a good start with a 2.66 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP.

The word on the street says that that Oswalt wants to go to a contender. His short list includes the Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Atlanta Braves. Those teams don't seem like likely places for him to end up, though.

Here are the teams where he could fit.

Cincinnati Reds

Why it could happen?

The Reds have a good rotation and don't really need Oswalt. However, Oswalt's current numbers would give him ace-status on the team. The Reds will need another knockout starter to hang with the Cardinals all season.

Who could they give up?

Aaron Harang (if the Reds could swing it)
Drew Stubbs,
Yonder Alonso

Washington Nationals

Why it could happen?

Oswalt has a no-trade clause and he may not waive it to go to the Nationals. The Nationals are off to a good start, though.

General manager Mike Rizzo is not afraid to make moves. During the offseason, he added right-handers Jason Marquis and Chien-Ming Wang, catcher Ivan Rodriguez, and closer Matt Capps.

Who could they give up?

Drew Storen
Roger Bernadina

Colorado Rockies

Why it could happen?

The Rockies are once again off to a slow start. Oswalt and Ubaldo Jimenez would be a nice 1-2 punch. The Rockies really need more top-notch pitching.

Who could they give up?

Brad Hawpe
Franklin Morales

Toronto Blue Jays

Why it could happen?

The Blue Jays are a good team with a powerful lineup. Picking up Oswalt can make them a contender in the AL East. Switching leagues may improve Oswalt's already impressive stats.

Who could they give up?

J.P. Arencibia
Brad Emaus

Boston Red Sox

Why it could happen?

The Boston Red Sox have had inconsistent pitching this year. They are 13th in the American League in ERA and 10th in WHIP. Their place in the standings (currently 4th) is not what the Red Sox nation expects either.

With the way the Rays and Yankees are playing, the Red Sox need to act quickly to make a move.

Who could they give up?

Casey Kelly
Clay Buchholz

More baseball articles

Where do you think Oswalt could end up? While your thinking about that, here are more baseball articles to check out:

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