Jayson Stark, from what I can tell, is the reporter who broke that the Phillies and Astros were in serious talks to move Roy Oswalt. For once, I would like the Astros to trade with another team, just to switch it up a little bit, but it is what it is.
There are countless rumors this time of year, hardly any of them worth anything other than bumping up our Post count.
But this one is different. Bernardo Fallas and Ed Price have sources who tell them the deal is close, and it's hard to imagine that the source in question is calling both Price and Fallas.
However, it's the presence of Jayson Stark - the King of Philadelphia - in this rumor cycle that tells me it's extremely legitimate. Stark represents all things Philly, and while it's pretty irritating from a standpoint of any other team in the League, if it lends some credence to this Roy-to-Philly thing, I can handle it for the next few days.
Another thing, if this rumor is true, then things are going to happen in the next 24-48 hours. The Phillies need a pitcher this weekend, and presumably the Astros would, too.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
