MLB Trade Rumors: Eight Teams Still in the Running for Roy Oswalt

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The Major League Baseball trading deadline is a mere days away and there are plenty of rumors to keep the hot stove, well, hot. 

The biggest name still on the market is right-hander Roy Oswalt. The news on Oswalt has changed hour-by-hour and there still is not a guarantee that the Houston Astros ace will wear a new uniform come this Sunday.

Nevertheless, there are still teams scouting Oswalt and burning up the trade chatter wire with their apparent interest and pursuit.

Here is a look at the teams who have been linked to Oswalt at some point and whether it is likely the right-hander will land there.

8. Minnesota Twins

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There have been conflicting reports as to the Twins actual interest in Oswalt.

One source had Minnesota linked to Oswalt rumors while Ken Rosenthal shot down that rumor by saying the Twins were never interested in the right-hander.

The Twins are the longest shot of all the possible Oswalt suitors. Any deal from the Twins would have to include top prospect Wilson Ramos, but the main hesitation coming from Minnesota is their lack of interest in picking up Oswalt's $16 million option for 2012. 

That last point has been the major hurdle for many teams monitoring Oswalt.

7. Detroit Tigers

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The Tigers, like the Twins, have put their toe in the water for Oswalt but have not gone beyond scouting the Astros right-hander. 

The Tigers are looking for starting rotation help, but are more likely to acquire either a cheaper option with long term control or a pricier pitcher with an expiring contract. 

The Tigers did not officially put any offer on the table, and it appears Oswalt is too rich for the Tigers at this point.

6. New York Mets

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The Mets were originally tied to teams with a need and the means to acquire Oswalt. But the club has since backed off and is now an outlier of all the teams involved for the right-hander. 

The Mets have the financial space, though possibly less than perceived, but the bigger question is whether they have the prospects.

The latter is more unlikely which is why the Mets originally had their interest piqued but shortly thereafter removed their name from the rumor mill.

5. New York Yankees

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The Yankees were among the many teams that sent scouts to watch Oswalt, but the Yankees' interest continues to dwindle as the deadline draws near. 

The Yankees were very serious about acquiring Dan Haren, but they are less in depth with their pursuit of Oswalt.

The Yankees reportedly offered minor leaguers Ivan Nova and Zach McAllister in the package for Haren.  Neither project as a front of the rotation pitcher and thus would likely not be enough to trade for Oswalt. 

The Yankees, yes even the Yankees, may have balked at Oswalt because of the dollars committed. 

The club has a number of escalating contracts through 2012 not including new contracts for Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada.

4. Texas Rangers

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The Rangers made a surprising inquiry into Oswalt according to Ken Rosenthal.

It is a surprising move considering the Rangers already acquired Cliff Lee and absolutely do not have the financial flexibility to take on Oswalt and his $16 million option for 2012.

Additionally, the Rangers do have the prospects after trading away top prospect Justin Smoak. 

Nevertheless, just the mere expression of interest from the Rangers shows they are ready to push at all costs to win this season.

3. St. Louis Cardinals

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The Cardinals were once front runners for Oswalt, but St. Louis has since backed off because of financial demands and the significant trade material the Astros want in return.

The Astros want two front-line players who are big league ready plus two additional top tier prospects.

Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reported earlier in the week that the Cardinals' confidence of a deal is waning, especially with the added pressure and difficulty of pulling off a trade for a top of the line pitcher in the same division.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

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The Dodgers have picked up their interest and momentum in the talks for Oswalt, but even at this point it appears somewhat of a long shot. 

The Dodgers need another arm to compete with the strong pitching of the Padres and Giants ahead of them in the division.

However, the Dodgers are in a tight financial situation and taking on $32 million over the next two years may be too much for the Dodgers' embattled ownership.

1. Philadelphia Phillies

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Oswalt has lessened his objection to playing on the East Coast which should give the Phillies more leeway to get the deal done. 

Oswalt may be willing to defer money from his $16 million option, but the option remains a hurdle for teams. 

Additionally, the Phillies would likely be asked to part with top prospect Dominic Brown which the Phillies are likely unwilling to do after giving up a significant amount in the Cliff Lee deal. 

Nonetheless, if there are any front runners for Oswalt, it's Philadelphia.