Do the Boston Red Sox Need Roy Halladay?

Roy Halladay, the six time All Star, has been linked with the Red Sox. The real question is whether the Red Sox need another ace or should the payroll be better used elsewhere.

There are a number of reasons why Boston would look to trade for Halladay. The first of which is his obvious talent. The Toronto Blue Jay's star is one of the dominant pitchers in the American League. Last year he went 17-10 with a 2.79 ERA in a losing team. He was third in the AL in ERA and 4th in wins. His abilities as a pitcher are unquestionable.

The 32-year-old Halladay who has spent his entire career with the Blue Jays is said to want to join a playoff chasing team. For Halladay the Red Sox would be a good fit having made the ALDS again in 2009.

Halladay is definitely a better pitcher than the knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. And if Halladay were to join the Sox he would probably take Wakefield's or Clay Bucholz's place in the rotation. The 43-year-old Wakefield has just signed a two-year, $4m contract extension meaning he is unlikely to be dropped.

Halladay currently earns $40m in Toronto whereas Bucholz earns $413k. Which makes one wonder whether the Red Sox need to use so much of their payroll when they already have aces like Beckett and Daisuke?

The Red Sox rotation is very strong with two players who have pitched no-hitters in Jon Lester and Bucholz to join Daisuke, Beckett, and Wakefield.

The extra payroll could be better used signing an outfielder, either getting by Jason Bay to return to Fenway Park. A replacement for Bay is more imperative than signing Halladay. Bay hit 36 home runs and 116 RBIs. The excellent outfielder gave the Red Sox power during Ortiz's early season slump.

Also Boston need to improve at third base with Mike Lowell having missed 92 regular season games in the last two seasons. Also with age against Lowell, the Red Sox will look at free agents with an abundance of third baseman talent available.

Halladay is in demand. As well as the Red Sox, the Angels and Yankees are both rumoured to be looking at the pitcher.

If the Red Sox were to sign Halladay then their pitching depth chart would certainly be impressive and would definitely be a great addition. But the payroll could be better used at third base or in left field.