Dodgers Could Be Stiffest Competition for Yanks
By Mike Silva ~ November 22nd, 2009. Filed under: Offseason Speculation.
It appears it’s only a matter of time that Roy Halladay will be traded. Earlier in the week it was confirmed the Yankees reached out to Toronto to let their interest be known. This weekend there were reports of interest from the Dodgers and Cubs. It’s Los Angeles that should concern the Yankees the most.
I spoke with Frank Russo (who will appear on WGBB with me tonight at 10pm). Frank told me that some in the Yankees organization have doubts about how serious Toronto is dealing Halladay in the AL East. Back on November 10th Russo predicted the Dodgers as the “dark horse” in a potential Halladay sweepstakes. Some in baseball believe that Joe Torre wanted assurances from ownership before he signed his extension that he would be piloting a competitive team. Halladay at the top of the Dodgers rotation could make them the prohibitive favorite in the National League. Also, even if you dismiss the whole debate about trading in the AL East, a package centered around Chad Billingsley is more attractive than one with Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain. After all, Billingsley is a fully developed product that has a track record of success as a starter. That can’t be said about Hughes and Chamberlain. Prospects such as Devaris Gordon and Josh Lindblom would also fill the Jays rumored desire for a shortstop and pitching prospect in any deal. It’s safe to say that Billingsley, Gordon, and Lindblom are a better trio than Chamberlain or Hughes, Ramiro Pena, and Zach McAllister. The Dodgers may be one of the few teams with prospects that could match offers from the Yankees. The million dollar question is how the pending ownership situation impacts the Dodgers ability to sign Halladay to an extension.
I believe the Roy Halladay sweepstakes will be far more intriguing than what we saw out of Minnesota with Johan Santana. That was more posturing by New York and Boston versus real interest. Until the Red Sox seriously make Clay Buchholz available I won’t take them seriously. It could come down to the Yankees and Dodgers for Halladay’s services. If Billingsley is the center of the deal I have to give the upper hand to LA.
Listen to Howard Megadal of SNY and I break down the latest rumors and news from the Hot Stove on NYBD Radio at 7pm.
November 22nd, 2009 at 10:39 am
Thing is, Halladay apparently wants to stay in the East and do spring training in Florida. Since he’s got a no-trade clause he holds the upper hand amongst everyone. If he doesnt like the destination, he can just turn them down and wait until free agency. Its no skin off his nose, and as long as he stays healthy, he’ll get similar money anyway.
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:59 am
Fair point, but does he want to stay in Toronto all season? He could force a trade to NYY or Boston, but Toronto could also decided draft picks are better than a subpar package. Of course, industry experts believe he is a goner so we will see.
November 22nd, 2009 at 1:08 pm
You’re right that Billz is more developed than Huges or Joba, but there’s no way that Ned trade Billz. He’s 25 years old and will be an anchor of the LA rotation for years to come, long after Doc is retired. Ned could package a of Lindblom and Gordon, since LA has SS and SP prospects to spare.
November 24th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
I dont like trading young pitching or players in general, but I think we can get rid of either hughes or joba, some position player, and a developing pitcher, or even more than this and get halliday. Give him the contract extension, then go get aroldis chapman he can take the place of hughes or joba as the young pitcher coming up. This is a big step up, rotation would be CC Sabathia, Roy Halliday, AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte, hughes or joba whoever is left.
WOW!!!! STELLAR!!!!!!!!!!
November 25th, 2009 at 6:41 am
Jamie – now you’re thinking!
Why hold on to a “big maybe” like Joba when you could trade for Halladay and sign Chapman. Good point.