Oswalt Requests Trade

[Buccaneer]

Update: Oswalt has requested a trade from the Astros prior to this season’s July 31 trading deadline, the Chicago Tribune reports

Oswalt is under contract for $15 million in 2010 and $16 million in 2011, so teams will have to pay a little more for that extra year of service from Oswalt. He’s off to his best start in a few years this season, with a 2.66 ERA in 61 innings, coupled with a 60:16 K/BB ratio. If Oswalt is indeed traded, the Astros may head to full rebuilding mode and put Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee on the market as well.

[IHStangFan]

Originally posted by Buccaneer
Update: Oswalt has requested a trade from the Astros prior to this season’s July 31 trading deadline, the Chicago Tribune reports

Oswalt is under contract for $15 million in 2010 and $16 million in 2011, so teams will have to pay a little more for that extra year of service from Oswalt. He’s off to his best start in a few years this season, with a 2.66 ERA in 61 innings, coupled with a 60:16 K/BB ratio. If Oswalt is indeed traded, the Astros may head to full rebuilding mode and put Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee on the market as well. I almost kinda hope that's exactly what happens......after all, we've proven we can't win w/ these guys. Let's unload those high dollar contracts, and at least if we're gonna suck...let's suck w/ a buncha nobodies w/ smaller contracts!! :D

[Buccaneer]

HOUSTON -- Astros ace Roy Oswalt wants out of Houston.

General manager Ed Wade said Oswalt's agent, Bob Garber, contacted owner Drayton McLane earlier this week to make the request. When asked if it was a request or a demand, Wade said that distinction didn't matter.

"Roy's contract has a no-trade clause, not a trade-me clause," Wade said. "There is no rule that allows a player in his contract status to demand a trade. So demand, request, hold your breath until you turn blue, it's all the same. It's acknowledged and noted."

The 32-year-old Oswalt recently said he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause.

Wade said he wants to win with Oswalt on the Astros. Houston went into Friday night's game against the Tampa Bay Rays with the worst record in the National League at 14-27.

McLane said the call came a few days ago and that there has been no movement by anyone in the organization since then. That doesn't mean the team won't consider the request in the future.

"I always consider everything that would make the Houston Astros better," McLane said. "So we'll certainly look at that, but we'll look at a number of other things also."

Oswalt has made nine straight quality starts to open the season but is 2-6 with a 2.66 ERA. He has gotten the lowest run support in the league.

McLane said he's been around long enough that nothing surprises him and that he wasn't disappointed by Oswalt's request.

"No. Roy is like I am," he said. "Do I want to win? Do I want to be a champion? Absolutely. And they want to win. So they want to know which direction we're headed and that's something we've got to consider ... we have not played well and that raises questions."

Astros manger Brad Mills learned of the situation less than two hours before Friday's game. He doesn't think it will take way from the team's focus.

"I hadn't even considered that," he said. "I don't think it should be a distraction at all. The guys are going to go out and play. They still have to perform. We're professionals in how we go about our business and everything else."

A team official said Oswalt had no comment on the matter before Friday's game.

Teammate Lance Berkman, who too has said he'd be open to waiving his no-trade clause in recent weeks, didn't want to discuss Oswalt's request.

"That's his deal," Berkman said. "I really don't have anything to say."

[zebrablue2]

Originally posted by Buccaneer
Update: Oswalt has requested a trade from the Astros prior to this season’s July 31 trading deadline, the Chicago Tribune reports

Oswalt is under contract for $15 million in 2010 and $16 million in 2011, so teams will have to pay a little more for that extra year of service from Oswalt. He’s off to his best start in a few years this season, with a 2.66 ERA in 61 innings, coupled with a 60:16 K/BB ratio. If Oswalt is indeed traded, the Astros may head to full rebuilding mode and put Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee on the market as well.


if berkman keeps hitting his weight, and lee his wifes weight, there is no team in baseball that would want either one of them. the astros are STUCK with mr. lee:ack!: