(Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
From Toronto’s perspective, I’d ask for the brothers Danks, plus Shelby and Matt Thornton as a useful lefty to step into the role that was supposed to be filled by recently released BJ Ryan. Never rule White Sox GM Kenny Williams out of it, but I just can’t fathom this deal coming to fruition.
After getting swept by the Yankees this past weekend despite stellar pitching by Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson, the Tigers perilously hold on to a slim 1.5 game lead over the aforementioned White Sox. Perhaps this series will serve as a wake-up call or at least open up internal discussions into making a big move.
So even though I’m including them in my “long-shots” article, that’s more a product of recent circumstance and the fact that I left them off my initial “favorites” list. While they’re probably best served getting another bat (especially a shortstop to play over the Adam Everett/Ramon Santiago duo), another starter to pair with Verlander, Jackson, and rookie Rick Porcello would go a long way towards locking up the AL Central title.
Nate Robertson was ineffective (7.71 ERA) out of the bullpen before landing on the DL, Jeremy Bonderman has only pitched one game all season, and Dontrelle Willis can no longer be counted on whatsoever, further establishing the Tigers’ need for one more dependable starter.
You can be sure that the Tigers would be a lot more confident down the stretch starting Halladay instead of recent experiments Lucas French and Alfredo Figaro. To solve their weak-hitting shortstop dilemma, the Tigers can simply try to get Toronto to include free-agent-to-be Marco Scutaro into the equation.
Complicating matters are recent reports that the Blue Jays are attempting to handcuff Vernon Wells and his ridiculous contract to any deal involving Halladay, but the Tigers are one team that could afford to take on that salary, simply by trading some back to the Blue Jays.
In the form of Dontrelle Willis or injured Carlos Guillen, the Detroit can alleviate some monetary space to take Wells off Toronto’s hands.
Who else would they trade? Let’s start with power-hitting corner infielder Jeff Larish, currently the Tigers No. 5 prospect who is blocked by Miguel Cabrera and Brandon Inge, could be part of a package that could include highly regarded outfielder Wilken Ramirez (who is blocked by Magglio Ordonez, Curtis Granderson, Josh Anderson, Clete Thomas, and potentially Wells).
There's also pitcher Cody Satterwhite, right-hander in AA, and second baseman Scott Sizemore (who could push Aaron Hill back to shortstop to solve the hole created in Toronto by Scutaro’s departure either in this trade or the off-season).
Trade Proposal: Guillen, Larish, Ramirez, Satterwhite, Sizemore, and reliever Joel Zumaya (who may have worn out his welcome in Detroit) could satisfy Toronto’s palate to the point of relinquishing Halladay, Scutaro and Wells.
Remember, the Blue Jays are trying to give Wells away, but would also be forfeiting any eventual draft pick compensation received from 2009 free agent Scutaro and 2010 free agent Halladay signing anywhere else. Detroit picks up those potential future draft picks plus the pitcher to put them on even footing with the Yankees and Red Sox for AL dominance, not to mentioned drastically improving their production at shortstop.
The prospects they give up are talented to be sure, but are all blocked by significantly better players who stand to stay in Detroit for a long time. Plus they can put Wells, an excellent defender, in right field and platoon whoever they want in left to improve their defense. This is probably the deal that makes the most sense for all the parties involved.
Other Long-shot Teams: Minnesota Twins, Colorado Rockies, and Florida Marlins
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