Good news for the Houston Astros. Roy Oswalt has recovered from his Oct. 8 groin surgery and is cleared for full workouts:

"I'd say after the surgery I feel a lot looser than I've felt," he said. "I've always felt like tight. As far as stride, I feel a lot looser, so I hope that will help."

There was a time in July when Oswalt couldn't even push off with his right leg because of the strain.

"I think my groin is a lot looser, so I don't think it will contract as hard as it usually did," he said. "I'm cleared, and the doctor says it looks good. I don't feel anything. Now my goal is to be in good shape before I get to spring training."