Already interested in adding a starting pitcher before, the Phillies' pursuit of Roy Oswalt seems to be getting hot and heavy. From a couple outlets:
The Phillies and Astros were said to be working on a trade that would send Roy Oswalt to Philadelphia, two major-league sources told FanHouse on Tuesday night, although the deal would then require Oswalt's approval.
One source described the talks as "heavy."
Roy Oswalt has wanted a chance to play for a winner, and he mused to a friend earlier this year that he wants what Roy Halladay got in the offseason: a chance to land with a team capable of winning the World Series. And so today or tomorrow, assuming the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros work out a tentative agreement for the right-hander, Oswalt will have a chance to accept or reject the exact opportunity that Halladay had: to pitch for the Phillies.
A move to land Oswalt could help now, but it would also help the Phillies in 2011, as Owalt remains under contract through next season. However, as mentioned before, such a move would probably also require that they trade Jayson Werth to free salary, which adds a layer of complexity.
Notes Jayson Stark:
Latest #Phillies-#Astros intrigue: Astros had scout Doug Brocail in Indianapolis to watch J.A. Happ on Tuesday
The Phillies would appear to be determined, here, giving this more volume than your standard July trade rumor.