"He is a man of ordinary size, 6-foot, 190 pounds. But Roy Oswalt has made a career of coming up huge in big games and welcomes the pressure of anchoring a rotation.

He profiles as the ideal pitcher to help the Rockies, and his agent Bob Garber said Wednesday that conversations with the club have been meaningful.

"It isn't passing interest. I believe they are serious," said Garber, who met with Rockies assistant general manager Bill Geivett at the Pfister Hotel. "They have a shot."

Just as important, Oswalt has an open mind about the Rockies. He has always pitched well at Coors Field but was unwilling to waive his no-trade clause for Colorado when Houston shipped him to the Phillies during the 2010 season. "