Astros ace Roy Oswalt said he has not demanded a trade, but questioned the direction of his team and thinks a deal might be the best thing for everyone.

The 32-year-old Oswalt (2-6, 2.66 ERA) said Saturday that its time for him to move on and that he thinks he has a two-year window to contribute to a World Series championship.

Oswalt said he communicated to owner Drayton McLane through his agent that dealing him might benefit both parties.

“Ive been here 10 years and given everything Ive got for 10 years, done everything I need to do to stay on the field,” he said. “Hopefully, there may be some options for both of us out there. Im not looking for an out for me, from the standpoint as a franchise player for 10 years. But I think it would be a good thing for both of us.”

The Astros entered Saturdays game with Tampa Bay with an NL-worst 15-27 record. Oswalt said he and agent Bob Garber have been talking to McLane for 4-5 days and asked team executives about their timeline for rebuilding.

“I just kind of asked as an option, and what they were thinking as far as which direction theyre going, do they plan to get young, or try to get some more players, or what direction are they going?” Oswalt said. “They didnt really have an answer for what they were going to do right now.”

Oswalt is done waiting.

His ERA ranks ninth in the NL, but Houston has scored a total of six runs in his six losses. His contract expires after next season, and the Astros hold an option for 2012.

“Ive got a small window,” he said. “Ive got two years left, and those two years, Im trying to get back to the playoffs. I havent been there since 05.”

Oswalt was drafted by the organization in 1996 and played in the majors since 2001. The Astros started 15-30 in 2005 and rallied to take the NL pennant, but Oswalt doesnt foresee a turnaround like that this year.

“Now, were close to that record now and the stance isnt the same as it was in 05,” he said. “Its not like Im not happy here. This is the only place I know. Theyve given me a chance to play since 97, and Ive always wanted to finish here.

“But I want to win, too. If you go into spring training and youre not willing to win the whole thing, theres no sense in playing.”

Oswalt said he was surprised when news broke about his request, and he doesnt want to become a distraction. Hes due to start again in Milwaukee next Wednesday, and insists itll be business as usual.

“It wont be awkward to me,” he said. “Im going to compete and hopefully, keep the game close and hopefully, well win some games. You never know, we may take off and start winning games, a bunch in a row. Me personally, it wont be awkward to me. As far as the players, I dont think its really different for them.”

Pitcher Brett Myers and first baseman Lance Berkman refused to comment on Oswalts situation before Saturdays game.

Oswalt said he has a few destination teams in mind, but he wouldnt specify them. If the Astros cant deal him, Oswalt said hell dutifully take his starts and play out this season here.

“I still dont want people to think Im leaving because were not doing well right now,” he said. “The reason is I dont have much of a window left to play, and I want another shot at winning.

“Weve got some great players, weve got some good young players coming up with Michael [Bourn] and Hunter [Pence], theyre going to be superstars for a while,” he said. “I just thought it was a time in my career where I needed a different place, I guess you could say.”

Posted on May 23rd, 2010 by admin
Filed under: MLB baseball news