It’s Halladay Season For Yanks
By Frank Russo ~ November 19th, 2009. Filed under: Frank Russo Rants and Raves, Rumor Mill.
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.”
November 19th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Look, I get why every team in Baseball would want Roy Halladay. I think he’s been the best pitcher in the game over the past 5-8 years. (No offense to Mets fans and Johan Santana.)
But if Roy Halladay becomes a Yankee, I am not sure that I want to watch Major League Baseball anymore. I love the game, I’ll continue to play. I’ll keep coaching, but baseball for me will survive without the MLB and that just might be move that drives me away from the professional game.
Not only do I have to put up with an obvious have and have not system, but one that is so broken that not even the “have’s” can keep up with the Yankees.
Just my two cents.
November 21st, 2009 at 3:52 pm
I agree with David. It’s gotten to the point where I don’t even know why baseball bother in having 30 teams. I understand that teams like the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Angels, Cubs etc. will go out and spend the big bucks year in year out, and more power to them and their fans for having that ability. But I just don’t find it fair that it has gotten next to impossible for a small team to compete on a consistent basis. Sure, a team like Toronto may contend for 1 or 2 years, but then it’s back to mediocrity or worse. And a team like Tampa Bay may get to the world series, but the chances of them going back or even coming close to getting back year in year out are slim to nil. Baseball needs more parity, and what I think many fail to realize, is that more parity will equal more interest, more fans coming out, and most importantly to MLB , more $$$$$$. The NBA & NFL are perfect examples of this.