The Perfect Plan for the Phantastic Phour

In 2011, the Philadelphia Phillies had seemingly the best rotation in baseball, having signed Cliff Lee, and with Roy Oswalt, 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels, and "Mr. DOCtober" Roy Halladay.

However, this "dream team" phailed due to their lack of offense and generally atrocious bullpen.

Once their postseason aspirations were silenced, GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. declined the options on Brad Lidge, off a terrible year, and ace Roy Oswalt.

Now into December, both remain unsigned, and with Papelbon as closer (sealing off all chances of a reunion between them and Lidge), and Rollins resigned, Oswalt is the biggest-name unsigned on the 2011 Phillies.

Now, the Phillies have an all-star rotation set with Doc, Cole, and Cliff Lee. However, you can never have too many great pitchers.

Oswalt (9-10, 2.69 ERA in 2011) is more than willing to return to the Phillies for the 2012 season, and I can see GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. re-signing him.

The Phillies have their share of unsigned free agents as January approaches:

*Oswalt
*Ross Gload
*Raul Ibanez
*Ryan Madson

Ibanez will not be back, Gload will only return if Ryan Howard is not ready for the season opener, and Madson seems a longshot to return with the signing of Papelbon.

But Oswalt deserves to be back.

He may have been the worst Phillies starter in 2011, but if HE is your worst pitcher, you are in FABULOUS shape!

Both sides are familiar with each other, and if he can stay healthy, he is a surefire 15 game winner. Oswalt, who also hit .079 with 2 RBIs and 4 walks, is a great fit for the Phillies in 2012.

So if you can hear me,

Mr. Amaro,

PLEASE BRING BACK ROY OSWALT!