MLB Trade Deadline Roundup: Oswalt Willing to Waive No-Trade Clause

July 31 is fast approaching, and the MLB FanHouse staff has its ear to the ground for all the latest buzz on who might be moved, where, and when. Get the latest tidbits in our MLB Trade Deadline Roundup.

A source with knowledge of the club described Phillies trade talks as "quiet ... status quo," a day after several outlets, including FanHouse, reported that the reigning NL champions were in negotiations with Houston for Roy Oswalt.

However, a second source told FanHouse that the 32-year-old ace, who has spent his entire career with the Astros, would waive his no-trade clause to go to Philadelphia, a hurdle that must be cleared for the completion of a deal.

Oswalt, in asking to be traded earlier this year, had said he would only be willing to go to a team which was a virtual lock to make the postseason. The Phillies, sitting at third place in the NL East and sixth in the wild-card race, are far from a sure thing in that regard.

Further complicating matters are all the moving parts. Philadelphia could trade right fielder Jayson Werth in concert with an Oswalt deal in order to clear payroll space. It's been assumed that the team would call up highly regarded prospect Domonic Brown to replace Werth as the everyday right fielder. However, the Phillies would also like to get another outfielder in the event that they trade Werth, particularly because he is the lone right-handed presence in the middle of the team's order. Brown hits left-handed.

There's the money issue as well. Oswalt is due the remainder of his $15 million salary this year, $16 million in 2011 and has a $16 million team option for 2012, with a $2 million buyout. ESPN.com reported Tuesday that Oswalt would want the Phillies, or any team that acquired him, to pick up the 2012 option.

With all those obstacles, it's no surprise that Astros owner Drayton McLane told the Houston Chronicle Tuesday morning that no deal was imminent, and that later Oswalt said he hadn't yet been approached about dropping his no-trade clause.

"I don't know anything about it," Oswalt said. "Saw it on TV this morning." -- Steve Phillips and Ed Price



• One major league official says he doesn't believe the Dodgers have enough top prospects to get any significant help, especially if the Dodgers expect another team to help pay the salary of whoever they would pick up in a deal. The official said that the team with the best collection of quality prospects to deal is the Rays, but he figures the Rays are more likely to hang on to those prospects and instead trade one of their young established players (like a Jeff Niemann) over the winter. -- Jeff Fletcher

• The Giants, Angels and Rangers are among the teams that have shown interest in the Orioles' Ty Wigginton. Baltimore has a handful of players available -- Wigginton, Kevin Millwood, Jeremy Guthrie, Miguel Tejada -- but so far clubs have been offering very little in return. -- Jeff Fletcher

• Speaking of Wigginton, the Yankees have interest in the versatile infielder. They also are looking for left-handed relief help and outfield depth. What they aren't after right now is starting pitching, despite their high-profile failed pursuit of Cliff Lee and recent injuries to rotation members A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte, the latter of whom could be out for more than a month. -- Steve Phillips

• A's general manager Billy Beane is still insisting publicly that he's not interested in moving Ben Sheets, and he said he hasn't gotten many calls on the right-hander. The A's feel Sheets is a good clubhouse influence on their young pitchers, in addition to the fact that he's been pitching better of late. Beane said the A's potential starter surplus is not necessarily imminent, because the club would prefer to bring back Brett Anderson slowly. Anderson could be ready as soon as Sunday if the A's chose to not have him make another Triple-A rehab start.

Beane also said the A's recent hot streak -- they have won seven of their past eight games -- has not encouraged him to become a buyer in the traditional sense. The A's won't pursue any short-term improvement at the cost of the long-term core of the organization. -- Jeff Fletcher

• The Blue Jays are shopping their relievers, but do not expect them to gut their bullpen. Toronto is leaning toward keeping closer Kevin Gregg, who has a relatively modest $4.5 million club option for 2011. Lefty Scott Downs, as FanHouse reported previously, is drawing plenty of interest, but the Jays want good value for him because he is expected to be a Type A free agent this offseason. Whatever they get would have to exceed the value of the two draft picks they will receive as compensation if they hold onto Downs. -- Steve Phillips

• The Mets are interested in Diamondbacks reliever Chad Qualls. The right-hander, Arizona's erstwhile closer, saved 24 games last year, but has struggled in 2010, posting an 8.35 ERA. -- Jeff Fletcher

• The market for Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder is quiet. Industry sources say it is more likely that the slugger is dealt this winter. -- Steve Phillips

• The Padres are focusing on hitters who reach base against right-handed pitching. San Diego has a team on-base percentage of .316 against righties. Orioles designated hitter Luke Scott and Royals outfielder David DeJesus are potential fits. -- Tom Krasovic