Phillies and Astros have deal for Oswalt done but wait for his approval

Roy Oswalt may finally be coming to the Phillies. According to Fox 26 Sports in Houston, the Phillies and Astros have agreed on a deal that will send Oswalt to the Phils but they are waiting for the star pitcher, who has a no-trade clause, to approve the trade. While the report mentions nothing about what the Phillies will be giving up, it has long been rumored that J.A. Happ has been someone the Astros coveted in return.

Given that he has reportedly balked at coming to Philly in the past, this deal is far from official. I'm not sure why he wouldn't want to play for a contender like the Phillies, but Oswalt was given a no-trade clause for a reason and he has every right to exercise it and squash the deal.

While I'll hold off judgment of the deal until something official is announced, having a rotation that begins with Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt is insanely good. While we all still wonder what could have been with Cliff Lee, Oswalt is basically the next best available starting pitcher. As long as the Phils don't give up too much, having Oswalt in a Phillies uniform for the next few years will do nothing but increase their title chances.