You realize the Twins could have traded him midseason, so they still had time if they wanted? You also forget that with Halladay, the Blue Jays can save a ton of money by trading him.
I have nothing on them being friends. My thought in saying what I did was just that RoyO seemed to really enjoy being around pitchers that were really good, worked hard, and were successful. Basically, I think he enjoys having guys that he can call peers or even look up to. (My baseless theory aside from amateur analysis of RoyO's personality based on what we've been able to see publicly) And I think Halladay certainly represents that type of player, and he's similarly kinda quiet and prefers to stay behind the scenes. Surprised to hear that about him not wanting to go to an NL club because he had said before he was definitely open to the Phillies and there were indications that he was excited about the possibility. Maybe the one AB in the AS game where Lincey threw him the curve got him thinking..haha
Ben Zobrist is having a better season than anyone on the Astros. Luke Scott's season matches the Astros' best (Berkman) this year.
Not really. The Twins actually needed to cut payroll and Johan had a no-trade clause and had expressed he would not agree to a trade in season. And while the Jays would save money (about $20 million total) by trading Halladay, they are not desperate to move his deal. They are only doing it now to maximize what they get back because they know he is gone after next season. Their goal is to get the best package available by presenting him to the market earlier than teams normally present stud aces.
I think Douche (haha what a name!) is a good gamble personally because the pricetag will likely be VERY low. I agree that Washburn will be way overpriced because I don't think he is as good as his numbers this year indicate, and he's a left handed flyball pitcher. As for Bedard, he's a FA after the season I believe.
If we can get Halladay, do it (Unless you have to give up Pence). But, I doubt we can. I do hope that we could grab one more piece on the cheap (without giving up a ton of prospects), even if that piece isnt a super star like Halladay. But, I'd love to get Halladay if possible, but I'm doubting it.
Oh yeah, forgot about Luke, he's having a very solid season but with Pence in right field, there isn't anywhere for him to play.
Luke Scott is having a solid year, but he's doing so because he is staying healthy. He's staying healthy because he's playing the majority of his time at DH in the AL! On top of that, he's only played in 72 out of Baltimore's 94 games. They can't use him full-time, and when they do, he's at DH most of the time. We wouldn't have either luxury.. and given his history of injuries, I don't think you can put *too* much stock in his season (and say he could have done that for us)
Nobody has talked about Joba Chamberlin except in Toronto's dreams. The Red Sox have said they really don't want to trade Bucholz, and have a strong rotation already. The Dodgers aren't trading their ace who is 10years younger and almost as good. The Yankees being in 1st place means they are less likely to deal. I really don't see Tampa Bay spending that kind of money. Braves are a team that I haven't heard any rumors about, that could be a scary darkhorse. If the Red Sox get desperate, they have the most assets, but are reportedly in the market for a bigger bat before a pitcher.
you think the Red Sox are still looking to add a bigger bat after adding LaRoche? They'd have to move someone off that roster who's making some money if they got another one, right?
The Red Sox rotation is in shambles actually. Dice K has sucked, Wakefield is on the DL, Bucholtz has struggled, Smoltz has sucked... That said, all you have said may be true. The Yankees may not be willing to deal at all, the Rays may not want the salary, etc. But, at the very least, the Phillies can offer a better deal than the Astros without giving up Drabek, the Yankees are significantly deeper than the Astros in the minors, and, to top it all off, Roy Halladay wants to go to a legit WS team. As an Astros fan you may feel like this team is one, but I doubt he will.
Scott is having a big year, but would have nowhere to play, and I wouldn't conisder his year better than Pence/Lee/Bourn. Zobrist is the best fit for this team and nobody knew him.
I don't really see how LaRoche would be an upgrade for them, but with the Duncan trade that probably means they are done adding to the offense. I forgot the trade was Lugo for Duncan(What a steal if you ask me), and its the first I've heard about the LaRoche deal.
Duncan has been pathetic and is going to AAA. Still a good deal for them though because they got rid of Lugo and got something that may be valuable at some point. LaRoche is not a big bat. At all. They still need offense.
LaRoche is not a big bat. I wasn't trying to imply he was. My point was that they made a deal for a guy that makes good money. They have others on their team making good money. To trade for another big bat would necessitate dumping one of said guys or including one of them in a trade--neither of which seems likely. Therefore, even though LaRoche isn't a big bat, I feel like his arrival signifies the end of the Red Sox pursuing most hitting options
I didn't know Wakefield went on the DL. Buchholz has only pitched two games and has been ok. I always hated the Smoltz acquisition. I actually think they would be smart to trade for Halladay, but I don't think they are desperate enough. Now that ATL is playing well, the Phillies may make the trade. I still think ATL could trade Tommy Hanson and others for Halladay if they want to make a final push, though Hanson himself may be good enough in their minds to be the difference. I think Halladay gets traded for a package similar to what the Astros could have offered, but don't by the deadline.
