Talks between Phillies and Astros have "intensified"

According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, the talks between the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros regarding to Roy Oswalt have "intensified". 

Stark says that the teams have already agreed on what pieces will be shipped to Houston in exchange for Oswalt, but the only thing standing in the way of a deal getting done is if the Phillies can reduce the portion on Oswalt's 23 million dollar salary they have to take on. 

The Cardinals and Dodgers have both dropped out of the sweepstakes as Cardinals are focusing on Jake Westbrook, and the Dodgers turn their attention to acquiring Ted Lilly.

Oswalt hopes however that he can get a little bit of time before the deadline to prepare his family, but he seems confident he will get traded.

Stark also says that the Phillies can get Oswalt without having to trade Jayson Werth.