Let's say the Astros survive the rest of this roadtrip, look decent against the Reds and Cards on the homestand, and are two games out and two games over .500 four weeks from now. And they can get Oswalt for four months at 5 million. Do you take a shot at it? What is the downside, especially since a competitive team through Labor Day definitely gets you several more million in revenue that you otherwise would have? And a healthy Roy improves your chances of making the playoffs by 25%?

I don't think the Astros should bargain 1% of the future for the present, but I also think you have to show the fans that you're willing to invest in the present when it could make the difference between an 86 win playoff team, and an 81 win 3rd place team.