MLB.com's Todd Zolecki says that the 2012 option isn't as big a deal as it's made out to be, and that Easy Eddie himself is personally acquainted with the Phillies' Single-A team:
Sources said yesterday that Oswalt would waive his no-trade clause to play in Philadelphia, which echoed what Oswalt said Monday. Sources also said his $16 million club option for 2012 is not the sticking point it has been made to be, indicating Oswalt might not make the Phillies pick up the option, if it meant being traded or remaining in Houston...
...It remains to be seen if the Phillies and Astros can agree on prospects. The Astros have scouted left-hander J.A. Happ, which indicates he could be part of the deal. Astros general manager Ed Wade personally scouted Class A Lakewood recently. (Hint, hint, they know the talent in Lakewood very well.)
Okay. Here's Lakewood's stat page. Any guesses?
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
