Roy Oswalt’s agent says that the right-hander has “every intention of pitching for a contending club at some point this season.”

Well, Oswalt had every intention of pitching for a contending club this spring, and to this point it hasn’t happened.

His agent, Bob Garber, said in a statement Thursday that Oswalt could join a team at midseason, just as Roger Clemens did in 2006 and Pedro Martinez did in ’09.

“After much thought and careful consideration, Roy has decided to continue to evaluate his options,” Garber said. “He is in great health and will continue to stay in shape, while throwing regularly off the mound.”

Clemens was 43 when he joined the Astros at midseason in ’06, Martinez was 37 when the joined the Phillies in ’09. Oswalt, 34, is far younger than both – but decidedly picky about where he wants to continue his career.

Oswalt only wants to pitch for one of two teams, according to major-league sources – the St. Louis Cardinals or Texas Rangers. Both clubs currently lack flexibility in their respective payrolls and starting rotations, making them resistant to such a move.

It is not Oswalt wasn’t in demand as a free agent – he rejected a one-year, $10 million offer from the Detroit Tigers and also has spurned overtures from the Boston Red Sox, sources say.

Oswalt evidently is waiting for an injury or opportunity with one of his preferred teams. He might be waiting all season.

-Ken Rosenthal