"Let's play a little game. Which of the following does not belong with the others:

Zach Duke.

Chris Snyder.

Jack Cust.

Fernando Martinez.

Roy Oswalt.

Yes, the games get tougher as we go along. Obviously, the Astros have signed the first four on the list this winter. Moreover, the first four combined are likely to earn less money in 2012 than Oswalt.

Still, the odd rumors that link Oswalt to conversations with the Astros are head-scratching at first blush, mind-boggling on the second read. Oswalt has made the rounds over the past month, talking with teams like the Rangers, Red Sox and now the Cardinals. While in Houston, Oswalt was long rumored to be interested in playing either in St. Louis or Atlanta. The Cards will likely be contenders again and certainly the Rangers and Red Sox will be in the mix as usual, so as Oswalt enters the twilight of his career, the opportunity at a World Series ring is much better in one of those cities.

But the Astros? Is Jeff Luhnow that shrewd? What might he have up his sleeve?

Would the Astros possibly pay more for Oswalt than the Red Sox, Rangers or Cardinals? Would that make any sense whatsoever? And what's in it for Oswalt, who would be committing to an organization he begged out of just two years ago? Remember, only a few weeks ago, Roy was seeking a three-year deal and now teams are apparently offering only one year at $3-$5 million."