Why Halladay Was The Right Move

Most of the the talk you hear about Roy Halladay or even the Phillies in general these days is a debate about whether or not the Phils should have given up Cliff Lee. There is no doubt that Cliff Lee is a fantastic pitcher and that without him the Phillies would have gone no where in the 2009 post-season. Roy Halladay is an even better pitcher though, and although what Cliff did in Philadelphia is certainly admirable the Phillies made the right move in trading him.

To start, the release of Lee provided the Phils with excess money and a rejuvenated farm system. If the Phils wanted to keep Lee along with acquiring Halladay they would have had to give up almost all of their best prospects. With the trade the Phillies kept their top posistion prospect Dominic Brown and also acquired Seattles top pitching prospect Phillipe Aumont. This gives the Phils a strong basis for years to come along with having the best pitcher in baseball. 

Secondly, as most Phillies fans already know, if Lee were to stay with the team it would have only been for one more season. And if the Phils did not win the World Series keeping Lee would have been a complete waste, as their farm system would be hopeless. The entire trade would have relied on the success of a single season. The Phillies are not nor will they ever be a team who makes those kinds of deals.

Finally, if Hamels can return to old form the Phils will have the best Righty/Lefty punch in baseball. The rotation will also include J.A. Happ (lefty) and Joe Blanton (righty). This kind of diversity on the mound could bring great success in the post-season as the opposition will be vulnerable to either handiness.

Whether you agree or disagree with me the move made was the right move. This will become more relevant once the 2010 season begins. Either way, it should be a fun year.