Relocating Roy

The sweepstakes for the most coveted pitcher in the American League is officially on. The Philadelphia Phillies pursuit of Toronto’s ace places the World Series champions as the prime place for Roy Halladay’s services. Bluejays’ GM, J.P. Ricciardi, is smart to take offers for the superstar righty. Philadelphia would look even smarter if they invested in the former CY Young winner to add to a rotation that already includes stud pitcher and reigning World Series MVP, Cole Hamels.
The Jays are free falling out of contention in the A.L. East and looking to shop Halladay if the request is right. The Red Sox and Yankees are heating up with the summer sun and the Rays show no signs of cooling. Chances are, the wildcard will come out of the Eastern division but the Jays’ slim hopes are quickly fading. In addition to the dismal standing conditions, Toronto can ill afford to keep Halladay on their payroll beyond this season. The team owes Vernon Wells and Alex Rios an approximate $160 million. Wells has been quite the disappointing outfielder this year, showing remarkably diminished skills. Rios is worth his pay, but the Bluejays are looking to act now to cash in on their prized pitcher to improve future years. The trade market for quality starting pitching is barren and the All-Star Halladay would be an incredible pick up for any team. Offers for Roy are expected to be lucrative since he is one of the best in baseball. He could be a definite difference-maker for a team close to reaching the post-season.
The Phillies are the most likely candidate to strike gold at the mid-point and have been tracking Halladay’s status since the start of Spring. If Halladay pitches for the rest of 2009 and more, it is going to cost more than a top-notch prospect for a trade to ensue. The 32 year old has a no-trade clause and the right to name his team. He probably wants to play for a perennial contender and has a history of signing for less than he’s virtually worth Toronto was his team of choice in years’ past, but with the Jays remaining uncompetitive, Halladay may be ready to make a career move.
Toronto would not rule out dangling Roy in front the Red Sox or Yankees, and Halladay would not object to wearing those rival uniforms. New York would likely have to offer a package involving right-hander, Phil Hughes, or intriguing farmhand backstops, Jesus Montero or Austin Romine. Boston could potentially ship Clay Bucholz, the stunning hurler, to the Jays in a blockbuster trade for Halladay. Such a move would automatically upgrade the Red Sox to the top pitching staff in the league, with Josh Beckett and Halladay as the stiffling one-two punch.
The Phillies still make the most sense for a trade deadline deal. Their improved farm system offers optimal options, but presumably their payroll is already excessive. The Jays seek at least one MLB-ready position player and a top pitching prospect to groom for the 2010 season. Outfielders, Dominic Brown, John Mayberry, Jr., and Michael Taylor are peak entities in Philly. Young starters, J.A. Happ, Carlos Carrasco, Antonio Bastardo, and Kyle Drabek strategically make sense as trade bait in any combination for Halladay.
Most experts believe Halladay would thrive on a big market club despite his reserved personality. In terms of publicity, no doubt would Halladay be stirred up in Philadelphia, New York and Boston. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are other playoff-minded teams in need of extra insurance on the mound. The Dodgers would love to round out an already phenomenal team by boosting their young rotation with a seasoned veteran talent. The Mets cannot afford to lose any more ground in the N.L. East. GM Omar Minaya should consider acquiring Halladay simply to keep him out of Philadelphia’s ballpark or the unlikely chance the Braves show interest in an attempt to win a wildcard spot. If Halladay has any sense, he wouldn’t accept a trade to a team currently without a shortstop, first baseman and centerfielder in New York. The Mets would have to empty their farm system to snag the righty off the competitive market.
Two California teams, the Angels and Giants, are also in the Halladay sweepstakes, although longshots. The Jays would probably ask for more than what the Angels are willing to offer in terms of a fair exchange. San Francisco has a highly regarded pitcher in Madison Bumgarner and may be willing to expand payroll if the team remains in the wildcard hunt on the senior circuit this summer.
The Brewers have two blue-chip prospects in Alcides Escobar and Mat Gamel. The mid-level Milwaukee front office would be hesitant to part with their future for a Roy rental after the C.C. Sabathia experiment last season. The Texas Rangers are desperate for pitching and knee-deep in quality prospects. But, the finances in Arlington are limited and Halladay may not be thrilled to throw in the hitter-friendly Texas park.
Whichever team lands the coveted ace will be lucky indeed. I did not expect Toronto to be shopping Roy at all this year. The fans have to go to the ballpark for something, and Roy appeared to be their reason.

Parting points: A day late, but a happy belated birthday to Beck. “Modern Guilt” is the album of the week.