Larry Dierker's routine post for MLB.com discusses the ins and outs of trading Roy Oswalt, and doesn't understand what all the fuss is about:
If you trade for Oswalt, you pay the price in the player(s) you lose, and also in salary. But Roy still has another year on his contract and he is having a great year. If you really like him, are confident you will contend again next year and are willing to gamble that he will stay healthy, his salary may actually be an advantage...
...Finding a trading partner isn't easy. Most teams have good young players, but don't want to part with them for the same reason the buying team wants them -- they have great talent and don't make much money. If you are selling, you typically need help at specific positions and have to match up with a team that has the type of players you need. The Astros need help in almost every position, which should make it easier to trade Roy.
So JUST DO IT, ALREADY!
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
