If the Jays did put Roy Halladay on the trading block, here are some teams and players that could play a part in any deal.
"We're not inclined to move him, but we're going to see what's out there" -- Blue Jays General Manager J.P. Ricciardi.
"I want to stay, but I think it's a situation you have to evaluate" -- Jays ace Roy Halladay.
So the day has finally come when the Blue Jays would consider trading the ace of their rotation, and arguably the best pitcher in the game, in order to start the rebuilding of the franchise yet again.
Should we be shocked by this? Of course not, unless you are naive enough to think that players will be drafted by one team, spend their entire career there and then ride off into the sunset when retirement arrives. You can thanks free agency and the obscene amounts of money that the MLBPA has battled for the players to make. Sure, there are exceptions to the rule in Tony Gwynn, Kirby Puckett and Cal Ripken Jr., but those days are now in the rear view mirror.
Roy Halladay appeared to be different. The best pitcher ever drafted and nurtured in the farm system should have only pitched in one organization and, hopefully, gone into the Hall of Fame wearing a Blue Jays hat.
That was until Tuesday when J.P. Ricciardi was asked if the Blue Jays would consider trading their long-time ace with the teams' playoff chances fading by the day. His answer was simple: they aren't actively looking to trade 'Doc' but it would be foolish to think that he wouldn't listen to any proposals that came his way.
Personally, I think that this is a non-story. Writers put these stories out there for public consumption to create a stir, which they certainly have in this case. But it certainly makes everyone ask, “What if'?”
I have no problem with this and if there was some way that Ricciardi can find a suitor, like the Cleveland Indians did when they shipped Bartolo Colon and Tim Drew to the Montreal Expos back in June of 2002 for veteran first baseman Lee Stevens and three prospects -- outfielder Grady Sizemore, second baseman Brandon Phillips and left-handed pitcher Cliff Lee. This turned out to be the most one-sided deal in the new millennium.
Unfortunately, with the majority of teams currently guarding their top prospects like pieces of gold, this is easier said than done in 2009. Plus, with Halladay due for free agency following the 2010 season, only a handful of teams will be willing to offer up the type of package that would make Ricciardi even consider dealing his ace. And don't forget that Halladay has a complete no-trade clause in his current contract.
So, who might be able to step up and bring a sweet enough pot to the table to procure the services of a former Cy Young Award winner and six-time All-Star?
Boston Red Sox -- The Red Sox could move to the front if they are willing to part with right-hander Clay Buchholz, still just 24 and with a major league no-hitter on his resume, would be a good starting point with Michael Bowden, another 24-year-old right-hander that is high on their list. Pairing Halladay with Josh Beckett would give the Red Sox an unbelievable 1-2 starting punch.
Philadelphia Phillies -- The Phillies have just the type of prospects to get a possible deal done. RHP Kyle Drabek and LHP J.A. Happ, who threw a complete game, five-hit shutout in Toronto back on June 27th, along with high ceiling SS Jason Donald. A deal involving these players makes perfect sense with the Phillies shaky perch atop the N.L. East.
Atlanta Braves -- Top prospect RF Jason Heyward, RHP Tommy Hanson or 1B Frederick Freeman would have to be considered in any talks. Heyward and Freeman are former first rounders rocketing through the system while Hanson has arrived as advertised and was mentioned in talks with the Padres earlier this season in a proposed deal for Jake Peavy.
New York Yankees -- You can’t have Halladay trade talk without the Yankees sniffing around. The obvious names would be RHP Phil Hughes, currently toiling in the bullpen, and RHP Joba Chamberlain, although based upon his performance last weekend I'm not sure he's as good as the New York media has made him out to be. They would also have to consider throwing RHP Dellin Betances into any talks.
Like I said earlier, I don't think the Blue Jays are looking to deal Halladay. But with the team poised to miss the playoffs for the 16th straight year, and Halladay's contract currently a year and a half from expiring, they must look at any and all options to make this team better. Whether trading Halladay for a parcel of top prospects would make that happen is up for debate and not something that I endorse. Plus, J.P. Ricciardi's trading history as Blue Jays general manager hasn't exactly made anyone forget about Pat Gillick.
One last thought on B.J. Ryan …
It should have come to the surprise of no one when it was announced before Wednesday night's game in St. Petersburg that the Blue Jays had activated Scott Downs from the 15-day disabled list (toe sprain) and gave former closer B.J. Ryan his unconditional release. The return of Downs will certainly tighten up the bullpen.
Ryan, on the other hand, will not be missed by anyone on the media side. In my 17 years on the scene, I can't remember a less-friendly Blue Jay. Plus, the fact that he was done as an effective major league pitcher means that the Jays bullpen is better today than it was yesterday.
