Earlier this morning, Ken Rosenthal reported that Roy Halladay is for sale, and Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi is willing to deal to divisional opponents (including the Yankees and Red Sox).
Even Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated gives the Yankees good chances. Via his twitter:
if halladay is really available. i see #yanks and #phils as early favorites, followed by #angels
This is big news for the Yankees. Remember when they passed on Johan Santana this past offseason? While that non-trade hasn’t haunted them yet, Halladay could be their second chance. This is a proven ace who has been one of the best pitchers in the league for almost 10 years.
Don’t forget about the asking price. According to Rosenthal, Phil Hughes could be the center of the trade and/or catchers Jesus Montero and Austin Romine. I would assume Austin Jackson is also a possibility.
If I’m Brian Cashman, I would not be willing to deal Montero or Hughes, because I think both could be absolute studs. The Yankees have plenty of other good prospects. I wonder how easily the Jays will be willing to give up their franchise’s best pitcher.
Here’s the explanation for the Jays willing to deal within their division:
A's GM Billy Beane never rules out trading within his division. Ricciardi, Beane's former assistant, probably would not, either.
That makes complete sense, so I would not suspect anything is wrong with Halladay (health).
Related Post: False alarm: Halladay unlikely Yankees bound
