"Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak denied on Saturday that a deal is in the works with Roy Oswalt, as reports swirled that the club is close to a contract with the veteran free-agent right-hander.

Multiple reports have suggested that the club is at least seriously in the running for a pitcher who has been a longtime rival. MLB Network Radio reported Friday night that a deal was very close, and ESPNBoston.com reported that night that Oswalt has "elected to stay in the National League" and that he is "likely" to sign with the Cardinals "soon." Still, as of midday Saturday, no deal was completed.

Reached by email, Mozeliak wrote that reports were "not true," but did not elaborate. Another club official indicated that no transactions seemed to be imminent for the Cardinals. "