Blue Jays land Halladay

After weeks of speculation, rumor and stalled trade talks, the Toronto Blue Jays will send pitcher Roy Halladay to the Toronto Blue Jays in a blockbuster trade involving seventeen players and personnel, according to major league sources. Details were finalized days after the team’s self-imposed trade deadline.

The deal will send Halladay to the Pittsburgh Pirates for infielders Eddie Ibanez and Stuart Pratt, catcher Matt Madsen, outfielders Tyrone Williams, Maurice Gibson, Mo Cassidy, Shaun Springhill, Michael Dexter, pitcher Roy Halladay, outfielders Lee Pendleton, Jeremy Latherby, Francois Bobe, Mike Trainer, Bob Obrey and Robert McClure and third base coach Tony Beasley.

The Blue Jays will also receive $12,000.

The trade is pending physical exams.

“We had to do this,” said Toronto general manager, J.P. Ricciardi, whose team has been under intense pressure from fans and season ticket-holders since the All-Star break to get something done.

“Roy is one of the top-three pitchers in our game,” Ricciardi said. “He’s a difference-maker. You don’t often see a guy like that on the market, especially for that long. I mean, what were they doing over there?”

With Halladay, the Blue Jays not only get a clear number one, but some much-needed depth in the outfield to compete in what most consider the best division in baseball.

“This is a great move for our ball club,” said manager Cito Gaston. “You add somebody like [that guy] to your rotation and suddenly you’re not just thinking about fourth place, you’re actually competing for it.”

Ricciardi thinks the time is now for a team that hasn’t finished in fourth place since 2008.

“You don’t often have a chance to compete for fourth place in the AL East now,” added Ricciardi. “That window is closing.”

Halladay, meanwhile can relax with his imminent future clear. Both Philadelphia and Boston were in serious talks to land the former Cy Young award-winner, with neither ultimately willing to part with 17 players and personnel.

"That's when Pittsburgh called," said Ricciardi.

“To be honest, I’m just glad it’s over with,” said the 32-year old Halladay. “I can focus on the rest of the season and do my job and help this team. I’m a Blue Jay now.”

Pittsburgh general manager Neal Huntington was brief with reporters following the announcement.

“This is what we do. We make trades.”