Roy Oswalt to the Nats?

This could be a very interesting month or so to be a Washington Nationals fan. In just 6 days on June 8th, Stephen "the Savior" Strasburg will throw his first ever MLB pitch (and Capitol Baseball will be there in our own Section 409 for all the action). This will probably be the first non-Red Sox sell out at Nats park since Opening Day. (If I'm wrong there, someone please correct me.) Just out a few hours ago, this game will be broadcast on MLB Network with Bob Costas and John Smoltz doing some commentary. Those of us in the MASN region will have to watch Bob and Rob on MASN2, due to MLB blackout restrictions.

On the eve of Strasburg's debut, the Nats will have the first pick of the 2010 Amateur Baseball Draft. Bryce Harper, the 17 year old catching superstar, will likely be that pick. Some reports have Harper as one of the best raw power guys in the draft. He obviously has work to do as a mere teenager, but the Nats could use some power behind the plate.

And then there is Roy Oswalt. (I knew I'd get around to a post on this guy soon enough.) After his 3rd inning ejection against the Nats on Memorial Day, Oswalt got to talk to the Washington Post's Adam Kilgore about his no-trade clause. Oswalt cited Stephen Strasburg's rising as a reason to come pitch in DC, saying "They've been playing well. They've got a good offensive club. I saw where they have Strasburg coming up. He should make an immediate impact, especially, because no one's seen him in the league, early. There's always a little adjustment period there." He said he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to pitch for the Nationals. ESPN's Buster Olney added to the speculation this morning, saying about a trade with the Nats, "on paper, this is the best fit for the Astros for a possible deal."

Imagine if you will, in an ideal world, this pitching rotation:

1. Stephen Strasburg
2. Roy Oswalt
3. John Lannan
4. Livan Hernandez
5. A healthy version of: Scott Olsen/Jason Marquis/Chien-Ming Wang

I am trying to stay calm, but the prospects make it difficult. Stay tuned for exciting Natstown news for a few more weeks. If GM Mike Rizzo has shown anything, it's that he knows how to make a deal.