The Cardinals have replaced the Philadelphia Phillies as the most dogged pursuers for Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt, according to a published report associated with NBC.com. The Wednesday report squares with recent indications that the Cardinals are prepared to "go deep" to address their primary need as Major League Baseball's July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches.
That need appears to be starting pitching.
Talks involving Oswalt are not believed close to culminating in a trade with any team, Astros owner Drayton MacLane told MLB.com Wednesday. However, the Cardinals represent a potential match for an ace-quality pitcher signed through next year.
Oswalt so far insists any team that acquires him also assume a $16 million club option for 2012.
Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt arrived in St. Louis earlier this week and met with general manager John Mozeliak Wednesday.
DeWitt told the Post-Dispatch earlier this month that the organization is able to assume payroll but prefers not to further gut a minor-league system weakened by 2009 trades for Mark DeRosa nad Matt Holliday.
Manager Tony La Russa insisted Tuesday that the organization's wish list is unchanged despite its quick start to the second half.
The Cardinals won their eighth straight game Wednesday in a 5-1 beating of the Phillies, who continue to recede within the more muscular National League East.
The Cardinals have had interest in Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Dan Haren -- traded by the Cardinals to the Oakland A's for Mark Mulder in December 2004. However, the Diamondbacks are pressing for significant talent in return for Haren, whose contract guarantees him a minimum $28.5 million after this season.
Oswalt is due $16 million in addition to a $16 million club option for 2012 that comes with a $2 million buyout. But since Oswalt enjoys the right to refuse any trade, he can use the option as leverage in approving any deal.
The Cardinals suddenly possess a surplus of outfielders when Ryan Ludwick (calf strain) returns from a rehab assignment.
Jon Jay and Allen Craig have been particularly impressive in Ludwick's absence. With Holliday and center fielder Colby Rasmus entrenched in the team's plans and Ludwick under control through next season, the club could include one of its younger outfielders in a deal with young pitching.
Telling, perhaps, was vice-president of scouting and player development Jeff Luhnow's refusal Wednesday to classify top prospect Shelby Miller as "untouchable" in trade talks.
The Cardinals last July packaged top prospect Brett Wallace in the Holliday deal barely a year after he became the club's first-round selection in the 2008 draft. The Cardinals selected Miller, a prep pitcher from Texas, in the first round of the 2009 draft.
The club is hopeful that Lohse might return to the rotation next month, less than three months after requiring surgery to alleviate compression of his right forearm.
There is less certainty regarding Brad Penny, whose throwing program following a May muscle tear near his right shoulder is currently shut down.
Oswalt lists the Cardinals among his preferred landing spots.
He has also told acquaintances with ties to the club that he would be willing to be more flexible regarding his 2012 option.
As rumor of the Cardinals' interest in Oswalt spread Wednesday night, several players embraced the potential move.
Oswalt, 32, carries a career 143-81 record that includes a 6-11 record and 3.12 ERA this season. He has made at least 30 starts the last six seasons. Oswalt also is 4-0 in eight postseason appearances, including two wins over the Cardinals in the 2005 National League Championship Series.
