Big Hurdle Removed In Roy Oswalt Deal

A change of heart by Houston Astros' ace Roy Oswalt has put the Philadelphia Phillies back in the picture for the All-Star pitcher.

Reports late Friday indicated Oswalt has dropped demands that his 2012 contract option year be automatically honored by his new team. That option was worth $16 million.

The Phillies had reportedly balked at guaranteeing Oswalt's extension, and the St. Louis Cardinals were considered the frontrunners to get Oswalt before the July 31st trading deadline.

But now, if Oswalt has backed off his demands about his contract option, it could be a sign that the Phillies could still be a serious player for Oswalt.

Both Oswalt and Phillies' pitcher J.A. Happ will be on the mound this weekend. Happ is rumored to be part of a package of Phillies players that go to Houston in an Oswalt trade.

Oswalt is already set to make $16 million in 2011.

Multiple reports have the Phillies in serious talks to get Oswalt from Houston in a deal that may include Jayson Werth. The Phillies would trade Werth to another team and send prospects to Houston.

Current Phillies GM Ruben Amaro has 7 days to pull off a trade, with the Phillies losing Jamie Moyer for a long period of time.

Former Phillies GM Ed Wade has that job in Houston now and he is familiar with the Phillies farm system.

Domonic Brown, currently the top-rated prospect in minor league baseball, would replace Werth in right field.

But with the Phillies falling fast in the pennant race, the window is closing for a big trade, especially if teams want prospects from the Phillies for players with big contracts.