The back page of this morning's New York Post reads, "Roy Story: Halladay hopes grip Yanks after sweep of Twins." So I anxiously tore through the paper to see what the New York Yankees were floating out in a trial balloon.
Nothing. There was nothing beyond a single sentence mentioning Joel Sherman's prior days' news that the Philadelphia Phillies are considered the front runners for Halladay. Despite that, the New York Yankees make perfect sense for a Toronto Blue Jays team building towards 2011 and looking for fiscal breathing room.
First, the Yankees have highly regarded prospects led by 19-year-old AA catcher/1B Jesus Montero. Montero was recently ranked by Baseball America as the third best prospect in the minor leagues. Addtionally, there are major-league ready bullpen arms like David Robertson and Mark Melancon along with major-league outfielders like Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner and major-league ready AAA centerfielder Austin Jackson.
Second, the Yankees have the financial wherewithal to add Roy Halladay's remaining $22+ million. In these tough economic times, that cost is a serious consideration. What other major league team can simply add that much payroll without having to make compensating moves in the off-season?
Finally, the Yankees have a 2010 need for a corner outfielder because of the expiring $13 million dollar contracts of Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. Because of this, the Yankees can take either of the Jay's other burdensome contracts - the nearly $100MM remaining on Vernon Wells' deal or the $50+MM remaining on Alex Rios's.
Can the Phillies do that?
Poll
Assuming the Blue Jays will trade within their division (and Roy Halladay waives his no-trade clause), are the Yankees the best trade fit?
Yes. Montero, Jackson, Robertson and Melky for Halladay and Wells offers too much for the Jays to refuse. (283 votes)
No. Four Phillies prospects plus Halladay in the NL offsets not being rid of Wells'/Rios' mammoth financial commitments. (158 votes)
441 total votes


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