Jays Shopping Ace: Phillies Should Consider Roy Halladay Sweepstakes

By reaching a deal in acquiring Holladay’s mechanics, will make the Phillies arguably the National League’s most dangerous pitching staff and a team not to be reckon with down the stretch.

Half of the players on the team have been there a year ago, experiencing elation and glory as the first sporting team in Philly to win a major championship in 25 years, since the Sixers captured a title in 1983 in a town that has painfully suffered and became the first town to reach 10,000-plus loses.

The championship-starved city will be generous, welcoming a top-notched pitcher to cure blemishes and banish struggles that have Philly fans speechless. At Citizens Bank Park, a pitcher-friendly ballpark, the volume is not nearly as loud as it was.

A year ago, average fans and even the players could have employed earplugs to minimize the volume of the rabid fans that loud echoes were heard in the entire town.

Now days, buzzing noise is echoing about Halladay in the crazy sports town, where Brotherly Love converts into Sports Love, especially adding the best pitcher in baseball. He was the face of Toronto, luring in a large crowd and now will attract a town of devoted and lovable fans.

Sometimes, Philly fans are a real pain and obnoxious, booing their teams whenever any underachieve.

Remember, it’s the City That Booed Santa Claus.

Isn’t that naughty?

Amaro acknowledged that the Phillies were contemplative in pursuing Halladay. A year ago, they rode a 7-0 postseason surge and if seeking to repeat a successive run, it starts with consistent pitching on a regular.

Thus far, conducive pitching has being anything, but consistent Adam Eaton was opted to pitch in the minors and was considered as an expensive blunder, spending time in the bullpen, finally releasing him in spring. Brett Myers is the one starter who struggles mightily in the first-half of the season and then picks up productivity in the second-half.

Setting a record was the 46-year old veteran Jamie Moyer with a skyrocketing 8.15 ERA earlier this season for the worst in his career.  

These are good examples to snatch Halladay away from the neighbors north of the border. As Jays’ general manager J.P. Ricciardi says he’s willing to listen to offers and will deal a large portion of his team that’s willing to part ways in giving up good value for the 2003 AL Cy Young winner might be a steep expense.

Halladay is owed about $7 million and $14.25 million salary this season, including $15.75 million next season. Taking on his contract shouldn’t be much of a problem or hinder his arrival.

The Phillies have a payroll of $133 million, and obviously they can spent $7 million on a high-profile pitcher who might emerge into the next 300-game winner at the rate he continues to throw strikes and walk off the mound victorious.

And when the season concludes, the Phillies are expected to clear up $29 million in salary cap space with Myers, Eaton and Geoff Jenkins.

In the final year of Halladay’s three-year, $40 million contract, the Phillies could be getting him as a rental player, if he decides to leave when his contract runs out in 2010. Certainly, Halladay, who has a no-trade clause, would accept playing with a postseason contender and a team like the Phillies.

There have being speculations that Halladay will finish out the reminder of his contract with the Jays, and then become a free-agent, if the Jays remain in playoff contention.

Basically, the Jays are dumping their stellar ace to keep payroll intact for next season, according to Fox Sports and have suggested that signing Halladay to a long-term deal could be a hassle.

But the Phillies could be getting an ace to mend struggles. This season, Halladay is 10-2 with a 2.79 earned-run average and only one of six major-league pitchers to reach the double-digit mark in wins.

Not at all are the Phillies done shopping, Amaro also have his eyes on Pedro Martinez and will explore his options. Amaro watched Martinez throw a stimulated game in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday afternoon.

Personally, I prefer Halladay shopping, over gambling. By acquiring Martinez, it could be a huge risk. He’s injury-prone and vulnerable for spending an ample of time on the disabled list, bad idea for the Phillies.

By bringing in Halladay, they have a legitimate shot at repeating. And he’s worth the addition.

They must go Halladay shopping.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?