Because keeping all of those quotes, notes, and rumors in one post is getting lengthy, let's break this down by team in separate posts. As these come in, they will be updated and reposted.
Twins
Latest status: Longshot/Dark Horse
SportsNet Canada (6/4):
Watch for the Minnesota Twins to be a major player when the Astros finally put long-time ace Roy Oswalt on the market, as per his request. This is another advantage to having a deep and fruitful farm system. Makes it easier to trade "what might be" for "what already is" and the effect that can have on a deep playoff run.
Buster Olney (5/25):
Agree with Jayson Stark on this: Twins are a team to watch in the Oswalt talks. One question: Will they part with the necessary prospects?
Aaron Gleeman (5/24):
Without knowing the Astros' demands, it's impossible to say for sure, but those factors would make me think twice about a move, and my guess is Oswalt's contract alone takes the Twins out of the running. Oswalt is an outstanding pitcher with gas left in the tank, but between the costs to acquire him and lack of an obvious rotation weak spot, pursuing him doesn't seem to be a great fit unless the Astros like Slowey, Blackburn, or Baker as a major part of the deal.
Minneapolis Star-Tribune (5/23):
Both J.C., and I were told yesterday that the Twins would probably call the Astros to see what the price for Roy Oswalt would be. That doesn't mean anything is brewing.
Minneapolis Star-Tribune (5/22):
It's a longshot that Oswalt will actually land in Minnesota, but there are indications the Twins plan to check with the Astros to see what it would take to land the three-time All-Star. The Twins like their rotation but realize they lack a true ace, so they'll at least listen when a pitcher such as Oswalt is on the trading block.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
