According to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals made an offer "approaching $5 million" earlier this winter to free agent Roy Oswalt. Strauss suspects that the Rangers will ultimately win the bidding for Oswalt with a contract worth between $7-8 million. The Cardinals are unlikely to up their offer given that they already have a full starting rotation for 2012 and will need a spot soon for top pitching prospect Shelby Miller. Oswalt, 34, posted a 3.69 ERA and 93/33 K/BB ratio across 139 innings last season for the Phillies.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Red Sox have made offer to free agent Roy Oswalt. The dollar amount isn't known, but it's likely a one-year offer. Oswalt has yet to accept, which leads Heyman to believe that he could prefer to pitch with the Rangers, Cardinals or Reds. The veteran right-hander has already turned down an opportunity to sign with the Tigers.

According to Peter Gammons of MLB Network, two GMs think Roy Oswalt wants to join Mike Maddux and Nolan Ryan with the Rangers while another believes he'll sign with the Cardinals.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said Monday that he has heard from Roy Oswalt's representatives. "They've called us," said Jocketty. "I don't think it's something we'd able to do. We're pretty tapped out (as far as payroll)." Jocketty didn't dismiss the possibility entirely, but said that they would have to be "very creative" in order to get something done. Oswalt was limited to 23 starts last season due to a back injury, posting a 3.69 ERA and 93/33 K/BB ratio over 139 innings. The Red Sox remain the front-runner for his services.

Danny Knobler of CBS Sports reports that Roy Oswalt turned down an opportunity to play for the Tigers. Detroit was "very interested" in Oswalt, according to Knobler, and even had ace Justin Verlander place a recruiting call to the 34-year-old right-hander. But Oswalt simply didn't want to play there. The Red Sox remain the front-runner and could feasibly wrap up an agreement by the end of this week. Oswalt registered a 3.69 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 23 starts last season for the Phillies.

According to CBS Sports' Danny Knobler, the Tigers have shown interest recently in Roy Oswalt. The Red Sox are thought to be leading the charge for Oswalt at this point, but Detroit could make things interesting. The 34-year-old right-hnader posted a 3.69 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 23 starts last season for the Phillies. He's said to be in search of a one-year deal worth around $8-$10 million.

According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the Red Sox are expected to make an "aggressive bid" for Roy Oswalt. Boston freed up around $6 million in payroll with Saturday's trade of shortstop Marco Scutaro, and will channel it into a rotation upgrade. Oswalt is said to seeking a one-year deal worth around $8 million. The 34-year-old right-hander posted a 3.69 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 23 starts last season for Philly.

Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports that the Red Sox are still in contact with the representatives of free agent right-hander Roy Oswalt. Multiple outlets have reported that the Sox have interest in the veteran right-hander, but WEEI's Rob Bradford said earlier this week that they would have to move payroll in order to add him. The Rangers and Cardinals have also expressed interest in Oswalt, who reportedly has dropped his demands to a one-year, $8 million deal.

According to WEEI's Rob Bradford, the Red Sox would have to first move payroll in order to sign Roy Oswalt. A recent report from FOXSports.com stated that Boston has "maintained active dialogue" with Oswalt's agent. But the Red Sox are trying to avoid a major luxury tax hit and don't have much room in the budget for 2012. Perhaps they'll explore a few different trade options this week. The Rangers and Cardinals have also expressed interest in the 34-year-old right-hander.

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that the Rangers "may be the frontrunners" for free agent right-hander Roy Oswalt. The Rangers would surely pass on Oswalt if they come to terms with Yu Darvish, but he does appear to be a legitimate fall-back option. Cafardo also notes that there are people in the Phillies organization that would "love" to see Oswalt re-sign. That doesn't look like a real option, though. Oswalt would like to pitch for the Cardinals, but they don't appear willing to devote any resources to their rotation.