Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse is reporting that any team interested in acquiring Roy Oswalt will have to be willing to pay a kings ransom.  Word is that the Astros would not only make the acquiring team pay all of Oswalt’s salary — the rest of his $15 million this year, $16 million next year and a $2 million buyout on the 2012 team option — but also wants three major-league-ready young players in return.

It’s possible that demand comes from owner Drayton McLane and not GM Ed Wade. Pretty steep price, and that doesn’t even factor in Oswalt’s full no-trade clause.

In a time where teams are hesitant to take on high salary players and also are more inclined to hang on to their younger players it seems like the demands for Oswalt who is a top of the line pitcher might be a little too high.  Add in the fact that Cliff Lee can be had for less money and it will probably mean Oswalt will be in Houston after the trading deadline passes.