Nationals could add Roy Oswalt?

by Eli Greenspan on May 17, 2010 11:29 AM EDT

ESPN.com is reporting that the Nationals could make a play for Astros starter Roy Oswalt, who recently told reporters that he would consider any trade that he is involved in despite having the right to veto any trade. The Astros own the worst record in the National League and are showing no signs of breaking out of this season long slump.

It is a shame that manager Brad Mills may see a fire sale in his year with the team, but the Astros cannot wait any longer if they want a serious chance of ever competing in the NL Central in the near future.

Oswalt is 2-5 in 8 starts this season but owns a 2.62 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. He has struck out 52 already and looks to have regained some of his 2008-form. Oswalt would certainly cost a team a top prospect, and the Nationals may have an enticing match.

No, not Stephen Strasburg or Drew Storen, but catching prospect Derek Norris. Norris, 21, has been with the Nationals since 2007 but is finally starting to show the tools of an up-and-coming catcher. The Astros, who swung-and-missed with J.R. Towles, could make Norris their project in hopes he will become there catcher of the future. Norris is in no way a center-piece to any major deal, but he would be a very nice supplement with a pair of pitching prospects.

Expect the Astros to try and move Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman. Oswalt will be a free agent after making 16 million in 2011, with a 2 million dollar buyout for 2012. He is making 15 million this season. Berkman is making 14.5 million this season, with a 15 million dollar club option for the 2011 season. He also has a full no trade clause but has said he would consider waiving it in the right deal.

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I realize

That Stephen Strasburg hasnt pitche a major league inning yet, but why would the Nats go out and pick up Oswalt when they have a guy, who by all indications, is mlb ready and under team control for 6 years? He will be up by June 1 and, if the Nats are still in it, he will be the guy that gives them that push for the 2010 playoffs.

And the Astrost wouldnt want Derek Norris, because they already have one of the games best pitching prospects in Jason Castro in AA right now.

I think Oswalt will be moved, but its more likely he is AL headed. The Astros will need to pick up most of the remaining salary if they expect anything in return for him.

by backtocali on May 17, 2010 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

Nationals would want him.

He would either make a fantastic 1-2 punch with Hernandez or replace the National’s starter as the ace if his old balls give out on him.

But you’re definitely right about Castro.

by HoustonSportsScene.com on May 17, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

We don't really want Oswald, methinks

They believe that some combination of Strasburg, Ross Detweiler, Jason Marquis, Chien-Ming Wang, and Jordan Zimmermann is going to provide ample reinforcements to the starting rotation this year. And if they aren’t, they’d rather spend this year trying to find out what they have than spend big bucks on Oswald. If we didn’t have Marquis, this would make more sense but our ownership isn’t going to want to spend big bucks on Oswald after Marquis. Plus we’re going to have to back up a truck of money to sign Bryce Harper as well.

I’d rather see the Nationals use this kind of money to get more international stuff going, sign Bryce Harper, and make a move for a RF that involves taking on some salary.

Uh...yeah...Let's gets that Calder Cup!!!!

by souldrummer on May 17, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions

You should probably know his name before determining whether or not he is a valuable pickup. Who knowns, the Nationals may even be willing to give up Strawsbergy or Zimmorramen for him.

by seanbergmanrules on May 17, 2010 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Norris is a catcher

and you never have enough all-star starters

by sb32 on May 17, 2010 1:07 PM EDT reply actions

Norris was the offensive player of the year in the Nats system last year

Some concerns on his defense not many on his bat. He’s started hitting again for high A Carolina already. I don’t really want them to move Norris. Were they to move Norris for Oswald, they would be saying that Harper would be their catcher of the future and that they feel they must make a wildcard run to get season tickets for next year to address attendance on nonStrasburg days.

Uh...yeah...Let's gets that Calder Cup!!!!

by souldrummer on May 17, 2010 1:10 PM EDT reply actions

Only position Houston doesn't need to fill....

is minor-league, prospect catcher. They could never make a deal for Norris when they have so many other holes that need to be filled. They have the worst farm system in MLB so they may be looking for quantity over quality.

Oswalt and Berkman will both be gone before the All-Star break. Maybe even Carlos Lee as well if anyone will take his contract.

by HoustonSportsScene.com on May 17, 2010 2:15 PM EDT reply actions

The Astros no longer have the worst farm in baseball

It’s still bad, but most sources cite them in the 25-29 range now. The Cardinals probably have the worst system.

by OremLK on May 17, 2010 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions

As a Cardinal fan

I detest us being the worst (Although I guess it is plausible). The White Sox have the worst I believe.

In football, the object is for the quarterback, otherwise known as the field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the defense by hitting his recievers with deadly accuracy in spite of the blitz, even if he has to use the shotgun. With short bullet passes and long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in the forward wall of the enemy's defensive line.

In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! "I hope I'll be safe at home!"
-George Carlin (RIP)

by Taskmaster on May 20, 2010 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions