Earlier today, Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles.com said that the Houston Astros are not looking to trade Roy Oswalt right now. However, we wonder if it’s in the best interest of the Astros to trade him now rather than wait until July. Let’s break it down:

Less sellers in May: The market is not diluted with an oversupply of pitchers, so negotiation leverage should stay with the Astros.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports says that Cliff Lee could complicate things for the Astros once he becomes available. If the Mariners decide give up on the season and get rid of Lee, the market clearly becomes diluted with another big name pitcher. Lee is more affordable and he’ll be off his next employer’s books after this season. Oswalt is due the rest of his $15 million salary for 2010, $16 million for 2011 and a $2 million buyout for 2012 – a much larger financial responsibility.

Less buyers in May: Don’t get me wrong, there’s teams that needs starting pitchers now. However, come July, there may be more buyers and therefore causing the price of Oswalt to go up. Teams may not be ready to bet the farm this early in the season. They’ll have more of a desire to go for it come July.

Will the Astros sweeten up the deal? There’s no indication that Astros Owner Drayton McLane would offset the cost of Oswalt by throwing in money now, but if you can push the Astros to the last minute, then he may be willing to sweeten up the deal.

Payroll purgatory teams could be in it later on: Teams like the Rangers, Mets and Dodgers could be willing to go for it come the end of July so by waiting the Astros get a few more perspective buyers. Right now, it’s unlikely that either of the three teams would make a run for Oswalt given his financial liability.