That's what dreams are made of: Roy Oswalt and the Dodgers

Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt has officially asked to be traded.

Umm. Let’s see, what team do we know that could use an established major-league pitcher? A three-time All-Star? A two-time 20-game winner?

Doesn’t that just sound too logical for the Dodgers? Maybe I should italicize too logical.

As in, despite his request and the Dodgers’ need, there’s about as much chance of Oswalt being traded here as Lindsay Lohan winning an award as Citizen of the Year.

Oswalt is costly, and the Dodgers haven’t shown any interest in spending serious cash in a long time. And with the owners undergoing a contemptuous divorce, there is no reason to think that will change soon.

Oswalt is in the fourth year of a five-year, $73-million contract. He’s earning $15 million this season, will make $16 million next season, and the club has a $16-million option for 2012 or a $2-million buyout.

Think a giddy Frank McCourt told General Manager Ned Colletti to get busy when the Oswalt news broke?

This season, despite a 2-6 record with the lowly Astros, Oswalt has a 2.66 earned-run average and has struck out 60 and walked only 16 in 61 innings pitched.

Still, he has a lot of dinero coming for someone who turned 33 on Monday. And picking up that tab goes against recent Dodgers’ history even before the divorce proceedings began. The Dodgers only major acquisitions the last two years have been when the team of origin picked up the bulk of the player’s remaining salary.

Oswalt has a no-trade clause, he is obviously willing to waive to go to a contending team. The three teams he is reportedly most interested in -- Mets, Cardinals and Rangers -- all look like poor fits.

The Dodgers, of course, are a contending team. Unlikely or not, it at least has to be worth a phone call.

--Steve Dilbeck

Photo: Astros starter Roy Oswalt acknowledges a teammate during his outing against Colorado on Thursday. Credit: Pat Sullivan / Associated Press

Comments

[Warren]

Blame the divorce if you want but I seriously hope they stay away from Oswalt. Not only would he cost $23ish million but the Dodgers would need to send a Chris Withrow type prospect or two in the deal. I'd rather take my chances with Kuroda, Billingsley, Kershaw, Ely, and Padilla. Everyone has been quick to jump on the Dodgers for not getting an ace pitcher when we clearly have one (Kershaw) if not two (Kuroda) if not three (Billingsley).

If we do need pitching Cliff Lee should be available in two months for a fraction of the cost in money and prospects.

[These Dodgers Suck]

If any of you think that this deal can be made on the Cheap think again...
the Astros need at least one Major League impact player and a Black-Jack Hand full of minor leaguers.

TDS

[Joe]

I never heard the Mets as a possible destination, I've heard the Braves though. The Mets need pitching after Maine and Niese's injury problems and Perez sent to the bullpen. They are also having attendance problems so this seems like a move that would make too much sense.

[bob cuomo]

It would great if the Dodgers acquired Oswalt. He'd be the ace the club doesn't have. But I wouldn't hold my breath. He'd be very costly...not only in salary, but you'd have to give up at least two solid players for him. It won't happen because the Dodgers can't afford him, not with the soap opera divorce thing yet to be resolved.

[Steve Caretta]

Why can't we learn that the Dodgers are still on the hook in paying Shmidt and Jones in deferred salaries? These were veterans that performed well sometime in their careers, but sucked big time for the Dodgers. The true answer is pulling talent from the minor league farm organizations. Please Ned resist the temptation for Oswalt, he might be the great equalizer when it comes to ace match ups, or end up a sub performer like Andruw Jones. We really don't know what the health status of Oswalt's gifted arm. The farm clubs like the Triple A and Double A need to mature to provide us home grown talent. We need to exercise patience Ned, that's how Fred Claire did it and it provided great rewards.

[Rick]

Thank you to everyone preaching patience on Oswalt. We don't need him at the cost of too many prospects, definitely not at the cost of a major leaguer. But the salary for one and a half seasons is not too much. Offer Elbert and McDonald. They still could be good, our loss, Houston's gain but we are deep in pitchers coming up behind them

[Bob Raines]

No need to get apoplectic over Oswalt just yet. Let some time pass, and see who else comes on the market. Jason Marquis? Cliff Lee? Good hitters are patient, good GM's, too.

[LA42]

We have more money then the Madres,but not that much more.....it ain't gonna happen.

[vtadave]

Warren - please don't tell me you honestly prefer Padilla to Oswalt. That's ridiculous.

[wog]

we should just hold out for a past his prime ace and sign him for two or 3 yrs.....just hold faith that he wont be a bust.