Jon Heyman reported on Wednesday that Brian Cashman has contacted Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos in regards to the availability of one Roy Halladay. If Heyman’s report is true, and we have no reason not to believe it, then this is great news for Yankees fans.

When Cashman originally inquired about Halladay at the trading deadline, then Toronto GM J.P. Riccardi, (who was hesitant to trade his star to an AL East team), wanted both Joba and Phil Hughes included in a package for his pitcher. It was a price that Cashman was not willing to pay. This time around things are different, as Anthopoulos has already stated that he would have no problem trading his pitcher within the division.

Also, as we reported just a little over a week ago, A.J. Burnett continues to implore the Yankees to trade for his buddy and mentor Halladay. It should be interesting to see if A.J.’s “imploring” has any effect on Cashman’s final decision.

We spoke with a friend of ours who is an NL Central Division Scout who told us the following. “They (the Yankees) have more than enough talent at the minor league level to get a trade with Toronto done, although they’ll have to center the deal around either Joba or Hughes.”

With the Red Sox looming as possible contenders for the Toronto ace, you can expect Cashman to do more than just go out and “kick the tires” in regards to Halladay. If I’m Cashman, I’d do my best impression of Don Corleone and make Anthopoulos an “offer he can’t refuse.” Offer either Joba or Hughes and offer prospects like Austin Romaine and Zach McAllister to sweeten the pot.

Brian Cashman should do whatever it takes to deliver Roy Halladay to the “New House,” and, just as importantly, keep him out of a Boston uniform. If he is able to accomplsih that, then it will be a great “Halladay Season” throughout the “Yankees Universe.”

Frank is a resident of East Brunswick, NJ and former radio announcer. He is a 4th generation Republican and Yankees Fan. He also enjoys listening to talk radio. His favorite announcer is Shawn Hannity of “Hannity” on FOX and enjoys reading about military history. In addition to rooting for the Yankees, he also has a passion for the New York Islanders. You can enjoy Frank’s work at The Dead Ball Era and his book “Bury My Heart at Cooperstown”. Check out his “Rants and Raves” on New York Baseball Digest.

Frank Russo

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Tags: A.J. Burnett, Alex Anthopoulos, Brian Cashman, J.P. Ricciardi, Joba Chamberlain, New York Yankees, Phil Hughes, Roy Halladay, Toronto Blue Jays, Yanks Contact Toronto about Roy Halladay