The Denver Post's Mark Kiszla says it's time for Colorado to check in on the availability of Roy Oswalt:
One of these years, if Colorado wants to wrestle with the big bears of October, the Rockies might actually have to splurge on a pitcher without guarantee of success. This year it could be Houston right-hander Roy Oswalt, a 32-year-old veteran with a 139-74 career record, who could be on the block.
Although Oswalt is owed more than $30 million through 2011, his contract can be bought out after next season. Would the Astros trade him as the deadline approaches, and might they also pick up some salary in return for an offer of bona fide prospects? There's only one way to find out: ask.
I have a hard time believing that Roy would approve a trade to the thin Colorado air, but the Rockies' system was ranked 8th by Keith Law in January, and have three of Law's Top 100 prospects in LHP Tyler Matzek (#22), LHP Christian Friedrich (#36), and LHP Jhoulys Chacin (#48).