Still a chance Oswalt returns to Philadelphia

(Yong Kim/Philly Inquirer)

Roy Oswalt’s next destination is still up in the air, especially with his price tag plummeting.

Fox Sports’ Jon Morosi thinks the Phillies, Reds and Red Sox are all still in the hunt to land the right-hander, who’s talks with the Cardinals and Rangers has seemingly hit a snag. With Oswalt’s price being a little too high for St. Louis and Texas, it could allow for the other remaining teams to jump in and lure Oswalt to their team.

Oswalt’s option for 2012 wasn’t picked up by the Phillies back in November. This was partly due to the $15 million he would have made with the Phillies as well as the back problems he suffered throughout the 2011 season.

According to Morosi:

Oswalt had a positive experience in Philadelphia, where he went 16-11 with a 2.96 ERA in 221 2/3 innings after arriving in a trade midway through the 2010 season. Oswalt remains interested in returning to the Phillies, sources say. But they haven’t been aggressive in looking for rotation help this off-season, given the formidable – and expensive – cast of starters they currently possess.

But the main thing that’s keeping the Phillies passively involved in the talks is the fact they are already committed to over $165 million and are paying Joe Blanton $8.5 million of that to have a chance at making the rotation.

Whether the Phillies will make a push at Oswalt remains highly unlikely, the fact they are still interested is news in itself.

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