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.