Roy Oswalt really, really wants to pitch for the Cardinals.

General manager John Mozeliak is a big fan of Roy’s work. Former Astros slugger Lance Berkman would cheerfully lead his clubhouse welcoming party.

Who wouldn’t want to see Oswalt wearing a Cardinal uniform? Who doesn’t remember all those great games Oswalt pitched against this franchise over the years?

This would be a classic fit.

But . . .

Oswalt wants $10 million to pitch this season. He wants a guaranteed slot in the starting rotation.

Nagging back issues cloud his immediate future. That issue hindered him last season in Philadelphia and led to his departure from the Phillies.

The Cardinals already have five established starting pitchers, plus Kyle McClellan to serve as the sixth starter and long man.

This scenario creates a classic dilemma for Mozeliak. Should he take the big-dollar plunge on Oswalt before spring training, forcing him to move one or more of his existing pitchers?

Or should he ride the pitching already in place, thus saving money to fill other needs that could arise during the 162-game grind?

For the moment, Mozeliak is sticking to Plan B, forcing the Oswalt Camp to lobby Walt Jocketty for an opportunity in Cincinnati.

This is a prudent course. Mozeliak is better off saving his bullet until he sees how this team shapes up during spring training — or until Oswalt changes his stance dramatically.

Here is why:

• The Cards looked into moving McClellan and his $2.5 million salary to make some room for Oswalt. But McClellan is a tough-minded competitor making moderate money. With Kyle Lohse and Jake Westbrook in the last years of their contracts, this team should give McClellan every chance to bounce back from the shoulder fatigue that derailed him late last season. At worst he could be a handy utility pitcher during the next few years as the rotation redefines itself.

• Lohse and Westbrook combined for 26 victories last season. This is solid protection from the No. 4 and No. 5 pitchers. Both veterans lagged through stretches of last season, but Lohse finished the regular season well and Westbrook seemed to relocate his command during bullpen side sessions during the playoffs.

• While a healthy Oswalt could offer a clear upgrade over Lohse or Westbrook, last year's physical struggle makes him a big if. At the moment he is asking potential employers to assume that risk.

• Most teams are comfortable with their starting pitching as spring training nears. Lohse and Westbrook have no-trade protection in their contracts. So what are the odds that the Cards could move either pitcher in a positive deal after rolling the Oswalt dice?

In the best-case scenario, Oswalt would lower his contract demands and accept an incentives-laden deal to pitch in St. Louis. The Cardinals could then let Oswalt, Lohse and Westbrook bid for the final two rotation slots.

If everybody stayed healthy, the loser of that competition would have to bide time in the bullpen as the long reliever. Such a configuration would also force the Cards to warehouse a power arm or two in Memphis to start the season.

All of that would either protect the franchise from potential in-season injuries, or position the Cards to make a positive deal during the season once other teams develop pitching needs.

Should either Westbrook or Lohse fall out of the rotation, they might be willing to waive their no-trade protections to start elsewhere and protect their future earning power.

The clock is ticking. Players are assembling at their spring training complexes to prepare for work. General managers are making their final additions.

The Rangers, like the Cards, have five starting pitchers in place and a ton of money committed to their rotation.

The Reds, like the Cards have, a solid rotation and a budget that is largely spent. To sign Oswalt, Jocketty told the Cincinnati Enquirer, “We’d have to do something. It would be tough.”

Former Cardinal Brad Penny settled for a deal in Japan. Former Cardinal Edwin Jackson settled for a one-year deal, rather than the security of the four-year contract he sought. Former Cardinal Joel Pineiro settled for a minor league deal with the Phillies after earning $16 million the last two years in Anaheim.

Such is the market. Mozeliak is right to hold firm. Will Oswalt rethink his stance and become more flexible?