According to sources close to Jayson Stark of ESPN.com, while St. Louis may be Roy Oswalt’s first choice, trading their best pitcher within the division isn’t the Astros’ first choice. The Astros have continued to talk with the Philadelphia Phillies, and have tried to lure other clubs into the bidding.

A source told ESPN.com that Astros owner Drayton McLane was likely entertaining the trade talks as a favor to Oswalt, a franchise cornerstone, but if Oswalt pushed too hard, he could overplay his hand.

According to one source, the Cardinals offered two young players off their Major League roster for Oswalt. One of the players the Astrous would want is St. Louis’ No.1 pick from 2009 – 19 year old right-handed pitcher Shelby Miller.

The Phillies are thought to have offered pitcher J.A. Happ and a list of young prospects for the Astros to choose from, but it is believed that Houston wants higher-ceiling players, particularly a catcher and/or corner infielders.

It’s believed that Oswalt is asking any time to pick up his 2012 team option for $16 million in order for him to approve a trade.

“In the end,” said an official of one AL team, “I don’t believe the guy is going to insist on getting that option picked up. He wants out. And if he really wants out, that’s going to change.”