Today's Memorial Day Roy Oswalt Rumor Post

Will he ever pick a team? Does he actually care about winning, or is he only coming back for the money? Will he be eaten by a dinosaur before he ever throws another major league pitch? Will Nolan Ryan unleash the snow monkeys upon him once he gets fed up enough with his extravagant demands? Who knows!

● Jeff Wilson: "As long as free agent Roy Oswalt remains unsigned and set-up man Alexi Ogando remains in the Texas Rangers' bullpen, Scott Feldman will continue to fill the rotation spot created by an elbow injury to right-hander Neftali Feliz. Oswalt has balked at an initial contract offer from the Rangers because the deal was worth far less than he is willing to accept, said a major league source." (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

● Ken Rosenthal: "[The] possibility of [Oswalt] returning in June is diminishing by the hour. The reason? Major-league executives say it’s Oswalt’s asking price. The Dodgers checked in and considered the price “excessive.” One source said Oswalt wants a pro-rated $7.5 million in base salary. Another said that Oswalt’s desired salary is a moving target, "but always high."

"I’m not sure it’s the same price for everyone, but I think he is looking for the biggest payday,” said one exec from a team with interest in Oswalt. "In the winter, proximity to home (in Weir, Ms.) was most important. Now, it seems like it’s dollars.” (FOXSports.com)

● Jon Heyman: "Texas probably remains the most logical team for Oswalt (9-10 with a 3.69 ERA last year), but while they would like to sign him now it seems clear there must be a difference in dollars. While the scouts who have seen him suggest he can help a team, word is that the asking price isn't insignificant.

"One executive of an interested team said he believes Oswalt will probably top the $2.5 million the late-starting Andy Pettitte is guaranteed by the Yankees but seems skeptical about whether Oswalt will meet his asking price or guarantee himself $5 million. Oswalt is now said to be more open geographically, and the substantial asking price has some surmising he plans to go to the high bidder." (CBSSports.com)

● Nick Cafardo: "While [Oswalt]] was eager to work out for the Red Sox after turning them down before the season, some things haven’t changed. He would still rather play for Texas or St. Louis, according to a major league source. As of last week, the Red Sox had not discussed money with him. They liked what they saw, but the ball is still in Oswalt’s court." (Boston Globe)

● Tom Haudricourt: "[The Brewers] checked in on Roy Oswalt, but apparently he wanted more money than they have in budget for half a season. So, they are out on him." (Twitter)