Sporting News staff reports
Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt told The Washington Post on Tuesday that he’d waive his no-trade clause to pitch for the Nationals.
"They’ve been playing well," Oswalt said a day after losing to the Nats and being ejected in the third inning. "They’ve got a good offensive club. I saw where they have (top prospect Stephen) Strasburg coming up. He should make an immediate impact, especially, because no one’s seen him in the league, early. There’s always a little adjustment period there."
MLB to scold umpire who ejected Oswalt
Oswalt told Houston management last month that he’d be amenable to a trade to a contending team, and Washington reportedly has expressed interest in acquiring him. The Nats were 26-26 heading into Tuesday’s game with the Astros but just 3 1/2 games out of first place in the NL East.
"That’s the thing about the East — I think it’s kind of wide open over there," Oswalt told the Post. "You got Philadelphia, and Atlanta is coming back and I know Washington is still playing well. It should be a good race. That’s the big thing, is just trying to get in the playoffs. Once you get in the playoffs, anything can happen."
The Post points out that the Nationals would likely have to take on a large portion of the guaranteed $29 million remaining on Oswalt’s contract through 2011. The deal also includes a $16 million option for 2012 that Oswalt can decline.
Washington third baseman Ryan Zimmerman said he’s "100 percent" in favor of adding Oswalt.
"He’s a fiery competitor," Zimmerman told the Post. "That’s probably the best attributes about him.
"Obviously, he’s a guy who’s got great stuff. He’s a guy that’s going to come right at you. He had really good stuff."
Oswalt told the Post that the Astros have yet to tell him they’re close on any deal
"They haven’t came to me with anybody," Oswalt said. "I don’t know who’s interested. They haven’t really approached me about anybody yet. I’m open for whoever. Supposedly … two or three people called, but nothing more than phone calls."
Sporting News staff reports
Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt told The Washington Post on Tuesday that he’d waive his no-trade clause to pitch for the Nationals.
"They’ve been playing well," Oswalt said a day after losing to the Nats and being ejected in the third inning. "They’ve got a good offensive club. I saw where they have (top prospect Stephen) Strasburg coming up. He should make an immediate impact, especially, because no one’s seen him in the league, early. There’s always a little adjustment period there."
MLB to scold umpire who ejected Oswalt
Oswalt told Houston management last month that he’d be amenable to a trade to a contending team, and Washington reportedly has expressed interest in acquiring him. The Nats were 26-26 heading into Tuesday’s game with the Astros but just 3 1/2 games out of first place in the NL East.
"That’s the thing about the East — I think it’s kind of wide open over there," Oswalt told the Post. "You got Philadelphia, and Atlanta is coming back and I know Washington is still playing well. It should be a good race. That’s the big thing, is just trying to get in the playoffs. Once you get in the playoffs, anything can happen."
The Post points out that the Nationals would likely have to take on a large portion of the guaranteed $29 million remaining on Oswalt’s contract through 2011. The deal also includes a $16 million option for 2012 that Oswalt can decline.
Washington third baseman Ryan Zimmerman said he’s "100 percent" in favor of adding Oswalt.
"He’s a fiery competitor," Zimmerman told the Post. "That’s probably the best attributes about him.
"Obviously, he’s a guy who’s got great stuff. He’s a guy that’s going to come right at you. He had really good stuff."
Oswalt told the Post that the Astros have yet to tell him they’re close on any deal
"They haven’t came to me with anybody," Oswalt said. "I don’t know who’s interested. They haven’t really approached me about anybody yet. I’m open for whoever. Supposedly … two or three people called, but nothing more than phone calls."