We are approaching 2 major landmarks. The first being that we are about 72 hours away from the baseball trade deadline. This is when GM's get zero sleep and when they do finally take a nap their dreams are invaded by prospects, tobacco chewing scouts, owners who are pointing to the bottom line, and packs of hungry beat writers looking to break the story. The second deadline comes today, which is the imaginary and, frankly, idiotic deadline set by J.P. Ricciardi on trading Roy Halladay. After all, when the Phillies end up meeting Toronto's demand for J.A. Happ, Kyle Drabek, and Dominic Brown on Friday afternoon, they will gladly accept. Anyways, as of now, here is where it all stands.
Philadelphia- The Favorties. They know what Toronto wants and they know Toronto will keep the newly anointed best pitcher in baseball (A title held by Johan Santana until this year...not that Halladay wasn't #2 all along because he was). I bet they pull the trigger, especially because it seems that Gillick and Manuel want Doc Halladay.
Red Sox- Will require Buchholz, Bard, and probably Casey Kelly. Whatever the request from Toronto is, it will be significantly more expensive than the offer to the Phillies.
Dodgers- Unwilling to part with Billingsly and Kershaw. They have nothing to offer beyond that.
Yankees- Joba and Hughes plus other. Will cost as much as the Red Sox would have to spend prospect wise. The loss of Hughes will effectively end their chances at postseason success as the rest of their bullpen is a mess except for Rivera unless they deal for a solid arm for the pen as well.
White Sox- Dark Horse candidates. Clayton Richard has looked good...almost too good to give up. He would certainly be apart of the package needed to pry Halladay away from Toronto.
There are other fringe teams. I doubt the Rangers make a serious play. Neftali Feliz would be the centerpiece to that deal. There is always the Brewers who are reluctant to give up Alcides Escobar and Mat Gamel, both of which the Jays would want. Also, the Angels, but they wont give up Joe Saunders or Jered Weaver which means no deal.
I think he is heading to the Phillies if he gets traded. The Red Sox could pull it off, but to be honest, I'm not sure how much I want them too. It might be fun to watch Halladay lay waste to the National League like CC did last year. As one senior scout said in the article linked above "The National League stinks...It's terrible." Over/Under 1.65 ERA (C.C. Sabathia's in the NL last year) for Doc? I say under.
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