Yesterday, Roy Oswalt‘s big announcement was that he probably wouldn’t sign with any team until mid-season or later.  And reports are that his top two choices are the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals.  So does that mean there is no chance he’d make a return to Philadelphia?  Not according to Phillies/MLB writer Todd Zolecki.

It is not a stretch to think that if something happens to one of the Phils’ starters that Philadelphia general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. would sign Oswalt as a replacement. – Phillies.com

Plus Oswalt has apparently not ruled out coming back.  So once again this is a wait and see what happens thing.

Shane Victorino - Image courtesy of: MyPHL17.com

We all know what a great guy Shane Victorino is on and off the field, so I was not surprised that he’d get into the mix in trying to get singer Taylor Swift to attend a prom with 18 year-old Kevin McGuire.  Here is Kevin’s story courtesy of MyFoxPhilly.com:

This story is gaining momentum and for good reason!  18 year-old Kevin McGuire is battling cancer.  He is currently undergoing treatment at CHOP.   This brave senior attends Sterling High School and has his eyes set on attending senior prom with the darling of the music industry.

The prom is scheduled for june 1, which happens to be his 19th birthday.  His sister thinks he deserves a special date for this very special day – and the facebook page ” Taylor Swift take KEVIN MCGUIRE TO PROM! ” was born.

Fox 29′s Bruce Gordon profiled Kevin on the 10pm news.   They chatted via FaceTime.  on Thursday.   Kevin was a bit under the weather, but full of hope.  He told Bruce, “I’m not going to be the most attractive guy out there, so just having a date like Taylor Swift would be amazing because I feel like she wouldn’t make me feel like ‘that sick kid.’ She’s make me feel like an actual prom date and it would make my birthday even better.”

So, will Taylor attend prom with Kevin?

Here is Victorino’s tweet:

Follow Shane on Twitter: @shanevictorino

I wish Kevin LOTS of luck and hope all the support helps him!

Today all position players officially reported for Spring Training.

The team holds its first full squad workout Friday. The Phils play an exhibition game next Wednesday against Florida State before opening the Grapefruit League schedule March 3 against the Yankees at Bright House Field. – Phillies.com

Cliff Lee is dealing with abdominal soreness, read the story at TheMorningCall.com.

Image Source:  MyPHL17.com

Heather Carnassale is Contributing Phillies Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at viewfromsection116@gmail.com, or follow her on twitter @heatherc531 and @viewfromsec116.

Roy Oswalt - Image courtesy of: MyPHL17.com

According to MyFoxPhilly.com and ESPN.com free agent Roy Oswalt will be making some kind of announcement today.  The nature of this announcement is unknown.

The unsigned pitcher is widely expected to address his future in the game.

The free-agent was hoping to land with the Texas Rangers or St. Louis Cardinals but failed to work out a deal with either of last season’s World Series finalists.

The Boston Red Sox were being promoted as a possible destination for the 34-year-old three-time All-Star, although Oswalt snubbed an earlier offer while apparently holding out for a team closer to his Mississippi home.

A source close to the Red Sox told ESPN Boston the team is still interested in the veteran right-hander, who reportedly has been seeking a starting role and a one-year contract worth $10 million. – MyFoxPhilly.com

I personally think $10 million is an awful lot for a guy whose back issues have hampered his pitching on more than one occasion.  However, I still feel he’s a good pitcher when he’s healthy, so he’d be a great asset to any bullpen.

Will keep you posted.

Image source:  MyPHL17.com

Heather Carnassale is Contributing Phillies Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at viewfromsection116@gmail.com, or follow her on twitter @heatherc531 and @viewfromsec116.

Cole Hamels - Image courtesy of: MyPHL17.com

Monday afternoon, after practice Cole Hamels spoke to the media and stated that contract talks are not his main focus for the upcoming season.

Hamels, who signed a one-year deal that avoided arbitration, could become a free agent at the season’s end. But he said he’s not setting any deadline on contract talks, and he wants to remain a Phillie.

The 28-year-old has spent his entire career with the Phillies and was the team’s top starter when it won the 2008 World Series. Last season he went 14-9 with a 2.79 ERA, was selected to his second career All-Star Game and finished fifth in National League Cy Young Award voting. He’s also the Phillies’ all-time lead in postseason victories with seven. – MyFoxPhilly.com

Let’s hope the contract issue doesn’t creep into his psyche but just to be safe the higher-ups need to get him locked up…like yesterday!

Image source:  MyPHL17.com