Buster Olney of ESPN the Magazine says that Roy Oswalt has a strong preference to go to a contending team that has a chance to win immediately. Oswalt has a few destinations in mind, but he wouldn’t specify them.

“I’ve got a small window,” Oswalt said. “I’ve got two years left, and those two years, I’m trying to get back to the playoffs. I haven’t been there since ‘05.”

“I’ve been here 10 years and given everything I’ve 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. I’m 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.”

“I just kind of asked as an option, and what they were thinking as far as which direction they’re going, do they plan to get young, or try to get some more players, or what direction are they going?” Oswalt said. “They didn’t really have an answer for what they were going to do right now.”

Olney goes on to talk about potential destinations for Oswalt:

Texas Rangers: Could be interested, but we must keep in mind the team is operating with financial assistance from Major League Baseball.

Detroit Tigers: Could use a veteran starter like Oswalt and the team has always been willing to spend aggressively.

New York Mets: Might have a need now for Oswalt, but it’s unknown if Oswalt would approve a deal to the last place team.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Could be in play, but the team is going through an ownership divorce, so they could be limited on their spending.

Washington Nationals: Could be in position to be aggressive, but Oswalt may not approve a deal to a team that lost 103 games a year ago.

Los Angeles Angels: They need a starter, but their farm system has been depleted in recent years.

St. Louis Cardinals: May not be able to afford Oswalt.

Chicago Cubs: Olney says they are likely to be buyers than sellers.  Does this mean they’ll go after Oswalt?

Chicago White Sox: Team has a greater need for hitting rather than pitching.

Philadelphia Phillies: May not be in a position to spend money on a starter and the front office has been concerned about leaking too many prospects in trades.

New York Yankees & Boston Red Sox: Olney says it is unlikely that the Yankees and Red Sox would spend the money necessary to make an Oswalt deal.