With Cliff Lee off the trade market, the Yankees should now look at adding the next best pitcher available, Roy Oswalt.

The Yankees looked like they were ready to land Lee today, some even called the deal imminent, but trade talks between the Yankees and Mariners fell apart after Seattle questioned David Adams health and asked for more. Lee was instead traded to the Rangers.

But we did learn something from this failed trade attempt, the Yankees are willing to part ways with top prospect Jesus Montero, who was previously “untouchable” according to Yankee GM Brian Cashman.

So do the Yankees still have an interest in improving their rotation, now that Lee is off the table?

If they are, then they need to look at Houston Astros fan favorite and ace, Roy Oswalt.

Oswalt is an excellent pitcher, having won 10 or more games from 2001-2008, including back to back 20 win campaigns in ’04 and ’05, which took the Astros to the World Series.

The Astros lost the 2005 World Series, but Oswalt has been itching for another crack at a title– and has said before that he will waive his no trade clause to go to the Yankees if the Astros can agree to a deal.

Houston has previously been asking a lot for Oswalt, who is 6-10 with a 3.08 ERA this year.

The Astros, presumably, would want Jesus Montero and another position player, along with a pitching prospect.

Well, the Yankees just offered Montero, second baseman David Adams, and starting pitcher Zach McAllister to the Mariners for Cliff Lee. A similar deal could be structured to go after Oswalt.

In my opinion, Oswalt would thrive with the  Yankees.

He has a former teammate and friend in Andy Pettitte, you never hear anything about off field incidents with him, and if he had the Yankees’ offense in Houston he would have a winning record and be right in the Cy Young race.

Oswalt has made it clear he wants out of Houston and has made it his focus to get back to the World Series, and if the Yankees want to strengthen their rotation for another championship run, then Oswalt is their man.

 

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