GETTING HALLADAY...

For the longest time, the talk in NYC had been how the Mets need to get Roy Halladay, and for the longest time, I've said that I don't think he would accept a trade to them. Well now, that speculation is on the back-burner, possibly for good, as word has leaked that A. Boston has put on a full court-press to try to land the Ace, and B. that the Doc would accept a trade to the Yankees. Interesting duo of information to come out back-to-back. Is it Halladay's preference to come to the Yanks over Boston? That's quite possible, as the pitcher's friend and protege plays for the team, and just won a World Series with them. Make no mistake, above all else, money included, the Doctor wants to wear a ring as well. So the question is, who can get him there?

The Yankees won it all this year with their core growing to include two great players: CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira, and two good players: A.J. Burnett and Nick Swisher. Their infield is completely set, they have a good catcher, but their outfield needs work. The rotation behind the top two is up in the air, but they have some pieces that can make it work, and Pettitte is still unsure of his situation. And they have Mariano Rivera. With that said, I think this team has the glue to become a successful team for years to come, and adding Halladay for the next four-five would tremendously improve their chances at achieving multiple championships. Halladay would certainly waive his No Trade Clause to join this team, especially knowing how committed they are to putting together the right pieces.

The Red Sox also seem to be in a decent spot, but less so. Their nucleus is good with Youkilis, Pedroia, Victor Martinez, Ellsbury, Beckett, Lester, Papelbon, and is also younger than the Yankees. However, their infield has a hole at short, Mike Lowell is aging at third, and their outfield is equally full of question marks as the Yankees'. Surely, though, Halladay would come here as well.

What are the other options for the Doctor? The Angels and Phillies for sure, but beyond them, I'd say only the Dodgers have a shot, although I'm not sure they'd part with the neccessary parts to land him. There lies the key to all of this, who blinks first and gives up the farm to get Halladay? The Angels and Phillies would probably have to give up less than Boston or NY being they aren't in the same division, but Toronto's new GM seems like he knows what he's doing, and may try to squeeze them as well. Still, the best deals will be with the division rivals, but should they do it?

It's all a matter of what Toronto wants here. They want pitching for sure, and Major League ready hurlers Clay Bucholz or Joba Chamberlain/Phil Hughes would have to go. Those guys we know, but beyond them is where it would get interesting. From the Yankees all signs point to either outfielder Austin Jackson or catcher Jesus Montero going as well, neither of which I'd trade. Thats your possible future Center-fielder and Catcher right there, both extremely valuable positions. Casey Kelly seems like a guy Toronto would target from Boston. Kelly is particularly attractive because he's a pitcher and a shortstop. Ah, and there it is, the possible key to getting Halladay, a future shortstop. Now, it seems like Kelly may be untouchable, so what if the Yankees had a good shortstop prospect? Wait, they do! Eduardo Nunez sounds like he is able to hit the ball very well, and while his defense needs some seasoning, this could be the player that makes the deal, and keeps Jackson/Montero out of it.

So how does a Joba Chamberlain/Eduardo Nunez/Austin Romine for Roy Halladay trade sound? Yes, I added another great catching prospect in Romine, but you didn't think it would only take two players, did ya? That would give Toronto three players that can completely help them for many years to come, for one year and all of the money the Yanks would have to shell out for an extension on the good Doctor. Well worth it for both teams.

Of course, when it came down to the Yanks and Sox battling over another ace, that guy went to the Mets...