Major League Baseball

Phils, Astros not just talking with each other

Published Jul. 21, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

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The Phillies are discussing trades for pitchers other than Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt.

The Astros, likewise, are discussing Oswalt with other clubs as often as they are with the Phillies.

Such an agreement must be in place before the Astros can ask Oswalt to waive his no-trade clause. Oswalt, who is owed abut $6 million for the rest of this season and $16 million next season, would ask a team to pick up his $16 million option for 2012 in exchange for approving the deal, sources say.

The Phillies are among the most active teams on the trade market, working to add a starting pitcher and trade right fielder Jayson Werth.

One source said, “Balls are flying every way,” and Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. did not dispute that account Tuesday night.

“We’ve had contact with many clubs on many fronts,” Amaro said.

The Phillies, however, are 1-6 since the All-Star break after falling to the Cardinals on Wednesday night, 5-1.

Amaro, who declined comment Wednesday, was trying to add a top-of-the-rotation starter for this season and beyond even before left-hander Jamie Moyer left Tuesday night’s game after one inning because of a strained elbow.

Oswalt and Diamondbacks righty Dan Haren are the top two pitchers on the market; Oswalt is signed through 2011 with a club option for ‘12, Haren through ’12 with a club option for ’13.

Amaro is in regular contact with Astros general manager Ed Wade, his former boss with the Phillies. The Astros, however, need to maintain dialogue with other clubs, knowing that Oswalt might reject the Phillies and can effectively choose his next team.

The Diamondbacks, too, are speaking with several “interested” clubs about Haren, and the Phillies are among those teams, sources say. But the D-backs, like the Astros, want a significant package for their ace – and the Phillies might need to trade Werth, a potential free agent, to create financial flexibility and obtain additional prospects.

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