There have been reports that Cardinals were favored by Roy Oswalt and they are the front-runners in the race. The Cardinals were also reported to have made an identical $5 million offer to Oswalt as the Red Sox did earlier in the week.
WEEI:
According to Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio, the Cardinals appear to have the inside edge on signing free agent pitcher Roy Oswalt, although the Red Sox, Rangers, and Astros are still in the mix.
It was reported by ESPN.com’s Buster Olney earlier this week that the Red Sox had offered Oswalt a one-year deal worth approximately $5 million. Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Wednesday that the Cardinals’ offer approached $5 million.
It looks like the Sox will have to move on and work on Floyd, or does it. In recent devlopments, MLB.com reports that the Cardinals denied a deal with Oswalt.
Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak denied on Saturday that a deal is in the works with Roy Oswalt, as reports swirled that the club is close to a contract with the veteran free-agent right-hander.
Multiple reports have suggested that the club is at least seriously in the running for a pitcher who has been a longtime rival. MLB Network Radio reported Friday night that a deal was very close, and ESPNBoston.com reported that night that Oswalt has "elected to stay in the National League" and that he is "likely" to sign with the Cardinals "soon." Still, as of midday Saturday, no deal was completed.
So the Red Sox still have some hope to steal Oswalt from St. Louis, but the odds of him pitching in Boston next season do not look good. Actually, count him out, he wants to stay in the national league and it will take a lot of cash to change his mind. Could be a good strategy.
