Roto Assist

There have been quite a few rumors floating around about Houston Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt(notes) possibly being traded before the trade deadline.  Will he approve a trade to this team?  Will he approve a trade to that team?  Will he approve a trade at all?  These are some of the questions that tends to follow each of these rumors due to Oswalt’s no-trade rights.

One team that has been recently rumored to want his services is the New York Mets.  Oswalt has said that he would waive his no-trade clause to go to the Mets if they can stay in playoff contention up to the trade deadline, but would the Mets even want him?

New York’s 4 and 5 pitchers in the rotation have a combined record of 9-2 which is pretty good.  Do they need to spend the prospects it would take to Oswalt and his year and a half of service?  Oswalt’s current contract runs through 2011 and he is due roughly $30 million still.  This will be a problem for the Mets and their bloated payroll and will most likely raise the price since he wouldn’t just be a rental for the rest of the season.

So, for now it looks like the Mets will try to keep winning with their current staff.  But, you never know.  They might try to swing a deal if they can free up some cash before the deadline.