Deal Between Philly and Toronto Less Likely With Each Passing Halladay

According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, "If the Blue Jays' asking price for Roy Halladay is J.A. Happ, top pitching prospect Kyle Drabek and high-ceiling outfield prospect Dominic Brown, the Phillies aren't buying."

Reportedly, the Phillies had rejected a trade proposed by Jays' GM J.P. Ricciardi just a few days ago. Toronto, as of right now, just wants way too much for their ace pitcher Halladay.

After Toronto sent an offer to Philly that was rejected, Ricciardi said "The ball is in their court."

Apparently Phil's General Manager, Ruben Amaro, thinks that trading top pitching prosect, Kyle Drabek, high ceiling outfielder, Dominic Brown, and 26 year old pitcher, J.A. Happ, is far too much to give up for Halladay.

Happ is currently 7-1 on the year with an amazing 2.97 ERA with 71 Ks. He is six years younger than the 32 year old Halladay, but their pitching abilities, as of right now, are pretty much equal.

I don't see why Ricciardi would think that Amaro would trade the young and successful Happ, and then add the top pitching prospect Drabek along with another good prospect in Dominic Brown.

Philadelphia still appears to be the front runner for Halladay. Boston, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Chicago (White Sox), and Milwaukee all seem to be interested in the former Cy Young Award winner as well. Even so, if Ricciardi keeps offering deals like the one he sent to Philly, then nothing will get done by July 31.

To be honest with you, the way that trade negotiations have been going, I don't think that Halladay will even be traded by July 31. If he is going to be moved, it will be in the Winter, if J.P. Ricciardi still has his job...