Roy Halladay News: Pro Sports Daily

Holliday, Bay, Lackey top Mets' shopping list

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November 19

New York Post

"The Mets have talked a good game about spending money and retooling this offseason. Now it's time to back it all up. With free agency at hand starting at 12:01 tomorrow morning, all eyes will be on the Wilpons and general manager Omar Minaya to see if they follow through on their public vow to be major players in the market this winter. Coming off this year's 70-92 disaster, the Mets have a pressing need for more power and openings that include a left fielder, a No. 2 starter, a veteran catcher, a platoon first baseman and a setup man for All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez. The Mets have identified Matt Holliday and Jason Bay as top candidates to fill the power void in left, John Lackey ..."

Coveted Halladay recognized in Cy vote

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November 17

MLB.com

"The immediate future of the Blue Jays is directly linked to ace pitcher Roy Halladay. He is the unequivocal face of the Toronto franchise, though it is an organization that is in the midst of a transition period. On Tuesday, Halladay earned consideration for the Baseball Writers' Association of America's American League Cy Young Award, garnering 11 third-place votes for a fifth-place finish. The league's top pitching honor -- won by Halladay in 2003 -- went to Zack Greinke of the Royals in a landslide. For Halladay, it marked the fourth year in a row that he finished in the top five in balloting for the Cy Young -- evidence that "Doc" remains one of the true aces in the game. Halladay is ..."

Halladay a Test for New Blue Jays General Manager

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November 13

New York Times

"The first time Alex Anthopoulos called a baseball general manager was nine years ago. When Jim Beattie, then the general manager of the Montreal Expos, answered the phone, Anthopoulos, just 23, panicked and hung up as if he were a kid making a crank call. A little embarrassed and a lot disappointed, Anthopoulos decided that his dream of becoming a real baseball executive could not end as pathetically as that. "I smacked myself," he said, "and said, 'Come on, have some guts.' ""

Sizing up Jays' rotation without Halladay

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November 12

Toronto Star

"The general managers' meetings are over and Roy Halladay is still a Blue Jay. For now. Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos used the face-to-face time with other GMs to inch toward a few deals. On Wednesday afternoon, Foxsports.com reported that the Jays and Mariners were discussing a trade involving first baseman Lyle Overbay. "There are certain players that we've been targeting (and we're) just trying to see if we can make a fit," said Anthopoulos, pointing out that he's not against multi-team trades. "We've had very productive talks.""

Yankees, Red Sox both shopping for Roy Halladay

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November 12

New York Daily News

"The Blue Jays haven't decided whether or not to trade Roy Halladay this winter, but if they choose to move the former Cy Young winner, a bidding war could break out between the Yankees and Red Sox. According to a source, Blue Jays president Paul Beeston has not resigned himself to the seemingly inevitable move to trade Halladay, believing his team can still compete for a playoff spot in 2010. The circus that surrounded the Halladay situation last summer was one of the primary factors in the firing of former general manager J.P. Ricciardi, who made it clear he did not want to deal the ace within the division. Alex Anthopoulos appears willing to move Halladay to an AL East team, but before ..."

Minaya going after, well, everybody

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November 11

Foxsports.com

"The Mets plan to pursue virtually every big name on the free-agent and trade markets, from Roy Halladay and John Lackey to Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. Agents and rival executives, however, are skeptical that the Mets actually will land any of those players, believing that the team ultimately will settle for second-tier talent. Mets general manager Omar Minaya loves to play at the top of the market. And the Mets, coming off a 92-loss season, are not about to tell their fans that they will aim low. Still, the Mets' needs are significant enough that one or two major additions might not put the team in contention. Minaya says he wants to add at least one starting pitcher. The Mets also need ..."

Phils aim to improve at third, in 'pen

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November 11

MLB.com

"Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Monday that his top two offseason priorities are finding a third baseman and improving the bullpen. He reiterated those priorities Tuesday. And the rotation? He said he sees a 2010 rotation that includes Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels. "Hamels is one of our starters next year," Amaro said in a telephone interview. "And we view the combination of Hamels and Lee as strong a top of the rotation as anybody's in the league." Amaro would not comment on the Phillies' reported interest in Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Roy Halladay, but sources said a trade for Halladay is highly unlikely. The Blue Jays requested right-hander Kyle Drabek, left-hander J.A. ..."

Trading Halladay not a problem for Anthopoulos

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November 11

Toronto Sun

"Could Roy Halladay wind up in a Boston Red Sox uniform? "If we get the right package, we'll make the trade," Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos told reporters when asked if Halladay could be dealt within the division yesterday. "It would be awfully narrow thinking of me to turn down the best offer because of the fact it came from within our division. "Now, if we had a strictly apples and apples offers for Halladay, one from Boston, one from another team, it would not be Boston. If we made a deal we owe it to our fans to obtain the best deal possible." The Red Sox made a strong pitch for Halladay in July but it wasn't enough for former GM J.P. Ricciardi to pull the trigger. ..."

Jays' Hallday fit for Phillies?

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November 11

Toronto Star

"Forgive us if it feels like summer again. First came the sunny, 18-degree days the GTA enjoyed earlier this week, and then came the Roy Halladay rumours, swirling as wildly as they did before last July's trade deadline. Tuesday the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the National League champion Phillies wanted to trade for Halladay. Again."

If Jays ship Doc, it had better be out of the East

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November 11

Toronto Star

columnist Dave Perkins

"Every fan probably understands the Blue Jays may need to trade Roy Halladay, sooner or later. Alex Anthopoulos, the new GM who was, presumably, kicking tires in Chicago on several possible deals this week, wisely is not playing his cards face-up here. With a free-agent pitching class headed by John Lackey and not a lot of dazzle behind him, the market for a standout starter of Halladay's level should be substantial."

Halladay more likely to go than Gonzalez

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November 10

SI.com

"Baseball people seem to believe that of the two superstar players available in trade -- Roy Halladay and Adrian Gonzalez -- Halladay is more likely to be moved for a few important reasons, such as: 1) He's eligible for free agency after this year, whereas the Padres have Gonzalez for two more years. 2) He makes $16 million to only about $5 million for Gonzalez, who has $10.25 mil over two remaining. 3) He wants out of Toronto. In an especially weak free-agent starting-pitching market, Halladay, 31, would draw interest from several teams, and with a new GM in Toronto (Alex Anthopoulos replaced J.P. Ricciardi), the whole game could change. It isn't known how Padres GM Jed Hoyer or ..."

Doc trade made easy

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November 10

Toronto Sun

columnist Bob Elliott

"Trade Roy Halladay? For Blue Jays rookie general manager Alex Anthopoulos it will be easy, says one of his counterparts. "I don't know where he's going or when he's going," a National League general manager said yesterday on Day 1 of the annual general managers meetings. "But the former GM (J. P. Ricciardi) was looking for a bank heist, a lopsided trade to save his job. J.P. wanted an arm and two legs. Too much. "For Alex this will be easier, he's making a baseball deal." Past GMs meetings we've been at have been at the Ritz in La Guna Niguel, Calif., overlooking the grand Pacific, or The Phoenician, a luxury resort in Scottsdale, Ariz. with its 27-hole, palm tree-lined golf courses, ..."

Phils still in the running for Halladay

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November 10

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Ruben Amaro Jr. arrived at the annual general managers' meetings late this afternoon and listed his priorities for upgrading his team this off-season. "Third base, bullpen, bench," the Phillies' GM said in the lobby of the O'Hare Hilton, where the meetings run through tomorrow. What about starting pitching? "We're more bullpen-intensive than anything else," Amaro said. The Phils' attempt to build a better bullpen this winter apparently won't stop them from trying to strengthen their starting rotation. More than one baseball official with knowledge of the Phillies' off-season plan said today that the team remains very much in the picture to acquire Toronto Blue Jays righthander Roy ..."

Jays may consider trading Halladay

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November 8

MLB.com

"Alex Anthopoulos finally did away with the suspense and agreed on Saturday afternoon to discuss the immediate and long-term direction of the Blue Jays. It was a topic the new general manager wanted to address when the time was right. With the General Managers' Meetings set to kick off in Chicago on Monday, Anthopoulos felt the time had come to talk about the road ahead. Coming off a disappointing 75-win season, the Blue Jays do not appear close to their first playoff appearance since winning the World Series in 1993. It is now up to Anthopoulos to find a remedy for the situation. Anthopoulos' vision is of an organization that can have a sustained period of success, becoming an annual ..."

Visit with Doc first step to wellness

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November 6

Toronto Star

columnist Dave Perkins

"Without actually hearing or seeing it, you can be sure Roy (Doc) Halladay was going at least a little crazy the past couple of weeks. Watching Cliff Lee star for the Phillies for a month, then seeing A.J. Burnett get a World Series ring with the Yankees, despite blowing up in two potential clinching post-season games, would make Halladay squirm: When does he get his chance to do this? That is what he lives for, the competition and chance to win. He hasn't had it with the Blue Jays and, at age 32, with one more big contract in front of him, it's not about the money. He has more than he'll ever need. It's strictly about the opportunity to go where Lee and Burnett, among many others, have ..."

Phillies should start building for next year, starting with acquiring Halladay

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November 6

Philadelphia Daily News

columnist Rich Hofmann

"AFTER THE STING wears off and everybody gets a couple of nights' sleep, the quiet pride in the accomplishment of making it to a second consecutive World Series will envelop Phillies' general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., and all of them. They should be given some time to enjoy it, too - especially the general manager who is just finishing his first season. Because it was Amaro who brought Raul Ibanez here and it was Amaro who brought Cliff Lee here. They were huge moves, winning moves, and the general manager deserves an opportunity to bask in the whole thing for a good little while. OK, time's up. What to do to this roster for the 2010 season is the subject that will consume Phillies fans for ..."

Halladay says fired GM stood up for him

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October 4

Toronto Sun

"Roy Halladay wanted to set the record straight. During those crazy days at the end of July when J.P. Ricciardi was testing the trade market for Halladay, it was presumed by many that the Blue Jays GM was unnecessarily embarrassing the franchise's crown jewel. Not true, says Halladay. "J.P. always looked out for my best interests," Halladay said yesterday. "That was lost in a lot of that. I think people blamed him for that. Knowing the situation, the team was in and my situation, he was looking out for my best interests. "He took a lot of flak for that and he shouldn't have. I'll always appreciate that he did stand up and defend me. I always thought that he was in my corner. He is a ..."

Halladay gives fans a finish to remember

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September 26

Toronto Star

"The Rogers Centre fans, 20,668 strong, stood as one when Roy Halladay emerged from the dugout and trotted to the mound to start the ninth. They stayed on their feet cheering through the final Mariners' at-bat in a 5-0 complete-game shutout, feeling this might be the last chance to show their appreciation. After Halladay (16-10) accepted the congratulations of his teammates, he looked into the stands, doffed his cap and waved it over his head as if he believed that maybe this was indeed his final start at home. It seemed the right thing to do on both sides."

Slumping Doc still a stud on mound

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September 15

Toronto Star

"According to those in the know within the clubhouse, there is nothing wrong with Jays ace Roy Halladay. His stature as one of the game's best will in no way be affected by his struggle to put wins on the board since the trade deadline. "You can go look at Albert Pujos and say in a two-week stretch, he hit .130," catcher Rod Barajas argued. "Are you going to say he's a bad player, that his abilities are going down? At every position you have your slumps, you have your struggles. "You have times where things just aren't going right. The ball's not bouncing your way. And as a pitcher you go out there and they don't hit the ball hard once, but they seem to find that outfield grass. To go on a ..."

Twins' Carl Pavano outguns Jays' ace Roy Halladay

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September 10

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Years removed from the days when the word "ace" might have accompanied his name, Carl Pavano had a flashback Wednesday night at the Rogers Centre. Working against the Blue Jays' Roy Halladay, Pavano was a vision of what could have been had he spent those wasted four years with the New York Yankees on the mound dueling the American League East's best rather than on the disabled list. As if he had saved up all those seasons of injury angst to dazzle for one night, Pavano went toe to toe with Halladay's dominance. With a chance to match one of the best right-handers in baseball, and on a night his ballclub so desperately needed to win, Pavano led the way. "I think he knew what we needed, ..."

Jays sag, Halladay fumes

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September 10

Toronto Star

"Half an hour after last night's 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins, Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay was still fuming. From the back of the Jays' clubhouse he stalked to his locker, fired a crumpled towel into a nearby hamper, then turned, scowling, to face a waiting group of reporters. Halladay had cruised through most of the game, having allowed only one run through seven innings. But a string of misplaced pitches led to the solid contact that led in turn to the late collapse that cost the Jays and their best pitcher yet another game."

As plain as his face

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September 10

Toronto Sun

columnist Ken Fidlin

"No matter where the road leads this off-season, Roy Halladay remains the face of the Blue Jays franchise. For now. Perhaps 45 minutes after the Minnesota Twins had put the finishing touches on a 4-1 victory over Halladay and the Jays, that face was still reflecting the frustration, the anger and the pure, unadulterated abhorrence of losing. Most nights after he pitches, Halladay's face is an inscrutable mask. Not last night. You could see every mistake, every missed opportunity, every unfettered emotion flickering behind those eyes. "No, I'm not happy. It's frustrating. Another frustrating game. You learn from them and move on," he said."

Doc Halladay shuts down Yankees

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September 5

Toronto Star

"Roy Halladay was back in form last night – darn near perfect form. The big right-hander ended his three-start losing skid in electric fashion, holding the New York Yankees' league-leading offence to one hit and going the distance in a 6-0 shutout. With the Yankees gunning for their eighth straight win, there was certainly potential for Halladay losing what would have been a career-high fourth straight start. Instead, he came up like the Halladay of old."

Halladay's one-hitter snaps Yanks' streak

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September 5

New York Daily News

"Apparently, there's nothing in the Joba Rules about pitching well. Joba Chamberlain was hit hard during another abbreviated three-inning stint, and the Derek Jeter-less Yankees managed one hit in dropping a 6-0 decision to Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays, snapping the Bombers' seven-game winning streak. Chamberlain (8-5), who needed 59 pitches to get through his short outing, gave up three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks, also hitting a batter. "We have a plan and we're going to stick to it," Joe Girardi said. "I thought he was aggressive with his fastball and he did the things we wanted, but unfortunately we didn't score any runs." That's because Halladay (14-8), the 2003 AL ..."

Halladay's One-Hitter Ends Streak at 7 Games

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September 5

New York Times

"Johnny Damon veered straight into the clubhouse after Friday's game. Not in anger, but in amazement. He confirmed what his eyes had just seen but his mind could still not quite grasp. Just as in his previous three at-bats, the ball came out of Roy Halladay's hand in the eighth inning with the velocity of a fastball and the zigzag movement of a changeup. Damon had struck out on three pitches in his fourth and final at-bat. Now, he smiled. "Just making sure that it wasn't just me that thought that pitch was impossible to hit," he said. There were plenty of pitches like that one to Damon to go around Friday as Halladay held the Yankees to one hit. He retired the first 14 batters in order and ..."

Boston's recycled Paul Byrd easily tops Roy Halladay

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August 31

Toronto Star

"A small group of Blue Jays sat at a table in the middle of their cramped Fenway Park clubhouse, picking over a post-game meal, their expressions as blank as the flat-screen TV bolted to a nearby pillar. As other players scrambled to change clothes and catch the team bus to the airport, the room remained silent except for the sound of the showers beyond the last row of lockers and a clubhouse attendant beating dirt from cleats in the next room."

Boston's recycled Paul Byrd easily tops Roy Halladay

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August 31

Toronto Star

"A small group of Blue Jays sat at a table in the middle of their cramped Fenway Park clubhouse, picking over a post-game meal, their expressions as blank as the flat-screen TV bolted to a nearby pillar. As other players scrambled to change clothes and catch the team bus to the airport, the room remained silent except for the sound of the showers beyond the last row of lockers and a clubhouse attendant beating dirt from cleats in the next room. After the Jays' deflating 7-0 loss that sealed their second series sweep at Fenway this season, there wasn't much to say. They sent their best pitcher, all-star Roy Halladay, out against a Boston team whose starter, Paul Byrd, had been jobless until ..."

Ailing Doc fails to find cure

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August 25

Toronto Sun

"Roy Halladay, pre non-waiver trade deadline, and Roy Halladay post deadline, are not the same. The Tampa Bay Rays collected 12 hits and eight runs -- seven earned -- off Halladay in six innings on the way to a 12-7 victory last night before 17,184 fans at the Rogers Centre. Halladay had gone 78 consecutive starts not allowing more than five runs. Halladay said the 26 days of "will you approve a trade to ...?" questions have not taken their toll. "I don't think it is affecting me," Halladay said. "I think that's false. I have to pay more attention to detail." The 12 hits allowed by Halladay were a season high and saw his record since trade talks began July 6 fall to 3-5 with a 3.91 ..."

Halladay smacked around by Rays

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August 25

Toronto Star

"Blue Jays ace Roy (Doc) Halladay doesn't want to hear about bad luck, even though the Tampa Bay Rays benefited from some fortunate bounces during their three-run first inning. And he doesn't want to hear about fatigue, even though he has only logged one outing shorter than six innings this season and that happened only because he injured his groin in the third inning that night."

Halladay (sigh) no longer in mix for Cy

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August 25

Toronto Star

columnist Richard Griffin

"If the Cy Young was simply awarded to the best pitcher in each league, statistics be damned, then Roy Halladay would have won it more than once. But over 162 games, bleeders can get through, bloops can drop in, broken bats can produce hits, a pitcher's offence can slump and hurlers blessed with lesser talent can stay hot for most of six months."

Rays batter Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay

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August 25

St. Petersburg Times

"By the time Monday's game was finally sorted out and the 12-7 win properly celebrated and serenaded by Ring of Fire, the Rays were left to ponder an interesting question: Was it more impressive the way their hitters - minus Carl Crawford, who left early with low back tightness - rallied again against Blue Jays ace-against-everybody-else Roy Halladay after their early 3-0 lead turned into a 6-3 deficit, or how starter Jeff Niemann recovered after giving it back in a messy five-run second to work into the seventh for his major-league rookie-high 12th win? Both were significant accomplishments, as was the overall result: a rare big win on the road. The victory improved the Rays to 68-56, ..."

Fans say Doc should get a deal

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August 21

Toronto Star

"Toronto's baseball talent offered their opinions on the Roy Halladay saga at yesterday's open tryout with Major League Baseball's scouting bureau. The verdict? Halladay – though dearly loved and respected – should be dealt as soon as possible. "It's time," said Conner Lillis White, 17. "The Jays aren't going anywhere.""

David Ortiz powers Boston Red Sox past Roy Halladay, Blue Jays

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August 20

New York Daily News

"There was big potential, especially with Boston sending Clay Buchholz to the mound. The 25-year-old righthander was in the group of prospects Boston GM Theo Epstein deemed too much to give, even for a high-impact arm like the former Cy Young winner. At least for last night the decision looked wise. Since the deadline, the Red Sox' starting rotation looked very bad and Halladay very good. Before last night Boston starters were 3-6 with a 4.72 ERA and the team was 7-9 overall. Halladay had gone 2-1 with a 2.88 ERA in three starts. But Buchholz fastball crackled around 95 mph and his breaking pitches occasionally froze Toronto hitters as he went six innings and allowed only one run on six ..."

Halladay's short, rough night

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August 20

Toronto Star

columnist Richard Griffin

"On the rare occasion when Roy Halladay does not take his best stuff to the mound, it seems to invite a Blue Jay losing streak. Last night, the usually reliable starting ace lasted just five innings, allowing five runs on eight hits and two walks as the Jays dropped a 6-1 decision to the Red Sox in front of 25,925 fans at the Rogers Centre. "It's amplified," Halladay said in a silent clubhouse. "Good teams make you pay more. Regardless, I think I just did a bad job of pitching ahead aggressively. I was always kind of behind, fighting my way through it." It was the Jays' fourth consecutive loss, dropping them eight games under .500 for the first time since May 10, 2007. It was just the ..."

Roy Halladay's all business against Rays

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August 15

Toronto Star

"Talk will heat up soon regarding the American League Cy Young race and, when it does, Roy Halladay's name will be front and centre. Some doubts about Halladay's inclusion among the top contenders arose the past few weeks, but he stomped them into submission here last night with another of his dominating outings. This was Halladay at his best, as the big right-hander trimmed back a victory-starved Tampa club 5-2 before 21,522 at Tropicana Field. Halladay worked eight innings, scattering eight hits and striking out six."

Blue Jays hanging Halladay out to dry

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August 5

Toronto Star

"Now that they have Roy Halladay, for however long both sides can agree to continue this marriage, perhaps the Blue Jays can figure out what else is required if they're ever going to contend again. You know, maybe get some of those little things. Like defence and timely hitting. They didn't get enough of either in falling 5-3 to the Yankees as veteran Andy Pettitte more than matched Halladay in an excellent performance. So the downward spiral continues for Toronto. Another AL East team shows up and the Blue Jays look overmatched, even with Halladay starting. They're 12-23 now against the kids in their own backyard. The back-to-back homers by Johnny Damon – Halladay's No.1 career nemesis – ..."

Doc Halladay's opinion of J. P. Ricciardi? No comment

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August 5

Toronto Star

"Suddenly the past three weeks of daily trade deadline furor over the professional fate of Roy Halladay seems so meaningless. Tonight, the Jays' main man toes the rubber for the first time since the significant nothing of Friday's sound and fury. The Yankees are in town so the size of the crowd in the stands at the Rogers Centre will be significant, but Halladay's start will not. He's a Jay until further notice but we're not sure how or what he feels because he's not talking about it, now or ever. His silence is deafening and defining. Up until Friday night he had been all about cooperating with the media and, through them, communicating with the fans."

My guess: Doc outlasts J.P.

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August 2

Toronto Sun

columnist Steve Simmons

"So who goes first -- Roy Halladay or J.P. Ricciardi? That is the question in the wake of the big-talk, little action, Blue Jays trade deadline front. Does Ricciardi get replaced, as he should be at the conclusion of another season gone nowhere, or will he be around in the winter to attempt to deal Halladay, re-sign the pitcher, or make a sales pitch to build around him with his usual bafflegab? The betting here is that Halladay will outlast Ricciardi as a Jay, that the new president and incoming general manager will try to convince the pitcher it is worth staying in Toronto, and if the team isn't any better a year from now, they can go through the entire trade talk process again."

At end of day, no Halladay

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August 2

Boston Globe

"Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi was still recovering from the 300 text messages, 150 e-mails, countless telephone calls, and erroneous media reports, but he was most disappointed that one of the 10 teams that showed interest in Roy Halladay didn't meet his demands. He indicated that only two or three teams tried to make a deal, but "we never came close.'' So the best pitcher in baseball stayed put because teams wouldn't pay up four or five prospects. I asked him, "Would you have taken the very deal you demanded if you were in position to win it all by acquiring Roy Halladay?'' "We wouldn't have hesitated,'' Ricciardi said. "In the eight years I've been here, if we had a chance to ..."

Rolen rolls out, Halladay sticks around

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August 1

Toronto Star

"The trade deadline, without waivers, came and went yesterday at 4 p.m. and while the much discussed and highly coveted Roy Halladay remained a Blue Jay, GM J.P. Ricciardi did make one deal, his fifth July trade in eight years. The Jays sent veteran third baseman Scott Rolen to the Cincinnati Reds for third baseman Edwin Encarnacion and a pair of right-handed pitchers, Josh Roenicke and Zach Stewart. Rolen, apparently, had requested the trade but was unavailable for comment as he made plans to get to his new home in time for today's game. He never made it to the A's ballpark. Halladay declined to discuss his feelings on remaining a Jay. "We're going to miss Rolen," manager Cito Gaston said. ..."

Tigers inquire about Roy Halladay, shoot down Blue Jays' steep demands

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July 31

Detroit News

"After inquiring about the asking price for Blue Jays right-hander Roy Halladay, the Tigers bowed out ahead of Friday's trade deadline when they were told Toronto wanted pitchers Rick Porcello, Ryan Perry and Casey Crosby, an elite prospect. The information was disclosed by a Blue Jays source familiar with Toronto's trade discussions as the club continues to mull offers after being earlier turned down by the Phillies. Porcello is a 20-year-old right-hander who is 9-7 with a 4.62 ERA and likely will draw votes for American League rookie of the year. Perry, 22, another right-hander, was the Tigers' first-round draft pick in 2008 and has pitched effectively out of the bullpen for manager Jim ..."

Roy Halladay still in play for Rangers, but Jays want Derek Holland, others

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July 31

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Just about everyone in the Texas Rangers' organization, on the field or off it, wants to make a deal before the non-waiver trade deadline passes at 3 p.m. today. The Rangers have the prospects to get any potential trade partner's attention. But in a sport where $5 million seems like spare change, it's been suggested for the past few months that the Rangers come up with only lint when they dig into their pockets. That might not be entirely true. The Rangers are still pursuing a trade for the biggest name on the trade market, right-hander Roy Halladay, and baseball sources said that money won't be the issue that causes a deal for the former Cy Young winner to fall apart. "We've had ..."

Roy Halladay sweepstakes going down to wire

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July 31

New York Daily News

"Although he has been the main focus of the baseball world for the past few weeks, Roy Halladay is likely to remain a Blue Jay when the trade deadline arrives at 4p.m. Friday. Barring a last-minute surprise, Toronto appears unlikely to deal the former American League Cy Young winner, as the price set by general manager J.P. Ricciardi has been deemed too high by other teams. According to a source, talks continued yesterday between the Yankees and Mariners, as GM Brian Cashman is looking to bring veteran lefthander Jarrod Washburn to the Bronx for the stretch run. Seattle has been asking for a premium price to part with Washburn, but with the southpaw's contract set to expire at the end of ..."

Halladay still a possibility for Dodgers

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Phillies' trade for left-hander Cliff Lee only added to the pressure on the Dodgers to bolster their pitching staff. Blue Jays right-hander Roy Halladay remains a possibility, but only if the Dodgers are willing to part with the necessary prospects. The Blue Jays would not require the Dodgers to include right-hander Chad Billingsley or lefty Clayton Kershaw in a deal for Halladay, according to major-league sources. But Dodgers GM Ned Colletti has said publicly that the Jays want five or six of his team's best young players. The Jays, in need of a shortstop, surely would have interest in Ivan DeJesus Jr., who has been out the entire season with a broken right leg, or Devaris Gordon, a ..."

Rangers aren't giving up hope on Halladay

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Texas Rangers have a definite need for pitching and one of the best farm systems in the game. What's more, Roy Halladay hasn't ruled out waiving his no-trade clause to come to Texas, according to FOXSports.com senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal. So, why aren't we hearing more about them in the market for frontline starters? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward: Rangers owner Tom Hicks is having some financial difficulties, and it's doubtful that the team will be able to add much to its payroll this year. The Rangers are optimistic that next year's payroll will be more flexible — when Halladay would be in the final year of his deal at $15.75 million. As of Wednesday, the folks ..."

Rays not done pursuing Halladay

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Rays have not pulled out of the Roy Halladay sweepstakes. A trade for Halladay remains a longshot for the Rays due to the acquisition cost, both in prospects and dollars, according to a major-league source. But the team still considers itself in the mix. Club officials also are focusing on adding bullpen help — and yes, just 24 hours ago they were kicking around the idea of selling relievers. The Rays' shifting position reflects their uncertainty about their postseason chances playing in the same division as the Yankees and Red Sox."

Bats melt in Seattle sauna as Halladay outing wasted

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July 30

Toronto Sun

"At one point yesterday afternoon, the thermometer in the full sun of the bullpen at Safeco Field hit 122 degrees on the Fahrenheit scale (50C) on the hottest day in Seattle's recorded history. When his afternoon was over, Roy Halladay, who may have pitched -- and lost -- his last game as a Blue Jay yesterday, was asked whether the heat, or the uncertainty of his future, was more oppressive. "Both," said Halladay. He might have added a third option -- "Losing" -- because nobody hates losing more than Halladay. This 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Mariners had an all-too-familiar ring to it."

Unlikely Jays' Halladay will be dealt now

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July 30

Toronto Star

"With the Phillies officially out of the Roy Halladay picture, having gone in another direction yesterday to obtain top-of-the-rotation starting stud Cliff Lee, the list of legitimate suitors for the good doctor has been cut down dramatically. It now seems likely Halladay will remain with the Jays at least through the end of '09. That's good for the Jays' clubhouse and for the Jays' fans. But what about Halladay's own feelings when just prior to facing the M's, he heard the rumours that Lee was going to the World Series champs instead of him, after his name had been bandied about for weeks, with the mayor of Philadelphia even clamouring for him? "It's never something that I had set one way ..."