Roymors: July 25

Smilin' Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Astros want Matt Kemp or James Loney in return for Roy Oswalt.

Rosenthal:
Loney is a reasonable request, but the 'Stros would be setting their sights too high with Kemp. The Dodgers are apparently unwilling to part with either player.

He notes that the Astros aren't in love with the Cardinals' farm system and the Phillies make the most sense, provided Roy would accept a trade.

Jon Heyman:
With Andy Pettitte on the shelf with a groin issue, the Yankees wouldn't mind upgrading their rotation, but while they like Haren, they aren't pursuing lifetime National Leaguer Oswalt, who's always been an Astro.

On the Dodgers:
They are down to an unseemly $83 million for the marquee franchise (plus deferred monies that bring it to the mid-90s), and they haven't given up hope on a big-time pitcher, including Oswalt. Some speculate that with Manny Ramirez, Hiroki Kuroda and George Sherrill all presumably coming of the books nest year, if they could entice the Astros to pay a significant portion of the $25 million left on Oswalt's deal, they could surprise some folks.

On the Phillies:
They've also looked at Haren, but Oswalt appears to be their clear focus and preference, even if he would favor St. Louis.

On the Cardinals:
Oswalt is said to love the idea of the Cardinals, which has kept this possibility alive. But the sides haven't seemed especially close.

Comcast Philadelphia:
Astros scout Matt Galante was on hand to watch Happ pitch. Baseball officials with knowledge of the situation say the Phils continue to pursue Oswalt. Happ could be in the proposed deal along with prospects that may come from inside or outside the Phillies’ system. The Phils are fielding offers for Jayson Werth, who could be dealt for prospects. Two clubs that have interest in him – the Rays and Giants – had scouts in attendance on Sunday. Werth singled and doubled his first two times to bat...

...The Phillies like the idea of having Oswalt, who turns 33 on Aug. 29, under contract for 2011, but are leery to guarantee 2012. Oswalt has let it be known that he’d restructure the option. That could mean he’d be willing to defer some of the money. Phils management, however, has long tried to steer clear of deferrals...

...The Phillies, Cardinals, Dodgers and Yankees all had scouts peek in on Oswalt on Saturday night. Baseball officials believe the pursuit of Oswalt will continue until closer to Saturday’s deadline when the pitcher’s option-year demands could soften. The Cards and Phils are seen as the frontrunners to land him.