A few thoughts on Roy Halladay

By Bill McFarland

There was no column on July 15 because I had previously planned to be out of the country working on a project not involving baseball. However, readers didn't take a holiday because upon my return on July 18 there was an e-mail from Baseball Steve entitled "Phillies should take a Halladay."

Steve is a Philadelphia native who now lives in another state, but he still devoutly follows his beloved Phillies. My response at the time was to inform him that Roy Halladay's name had been sent up the flag pole ad nauseum throughout the month of July in the Philadelphia media and that things would heat up as the July 31 non-waivers trading deadline approached.

As expected, things got much more interesting in the last few days. The problem that I have is with the timing. There are 48 hours between the time that I submit this column and when it is published or posted. Something could happen in the interim, so I will only speak about the possible acquisition of the Toronto Blue Jay's ace Roy Halladay in generalities.

The Phillies would be a formidable force in the National League by adding Halladay, and I think that the Phils should be willing to give up highly touted pitching prospect Kyle Drabek to get him.

My rationale is based on the Phillies' poor record with pitchers selected in the first round of the amateur draft. Since the draft began in 1965, Philadelphia has chosen pitchers 21 times, and the organization's track record of developing those hurlers into legitimate major-leaguers is dismal.

Other than Cole Hamels and Brett Myers, who are on the current roster, the last first-round selection who made a significant impact at the top level of the game was Larry Christensen. The right-hander was taken in the 1972 draft and was in the rotation during the glory years (1976-83) when the club won the Eastern Division five times and went to the World Series twice.

While the jury is still out on Chicago White Sox hurler Gavin Floyd (2001), other first-rounders have had moderate-to-minimal success at this level. I'm thinking of Adam Eaton (1996), Carlton Loewer (1994), Wayne Gomes (1993), Tyler Green (1991) and Pat Combs (1988). Others were complete busts. Does anyone remember Brad Brink (1986) or Scott Munninghoff (1977)?

Drabek is still a prospect who might succeed. He could also become a suspect. J.A. Happ has proven that he can be effective against major-league hitters. Also, the whole idea — in my mind, anyway — was to ADD an ace pitcher to a rotation that is already pretty darn good.

No team could match a five-day lineup beginning with Halladay and including Hamels, Joe Blanton and Happ. As the fifth starter, Jamie Moyer would fit in as a perfect complement to this rotation. The Phillies should be willing to part with Drabek, but not Happ, to acquire Halladay. Toronto seems to want both of them.

Another factor in this situation is Halladay's contract status. He is signed through 2010 and has stated that he'd like to test the free-agent market after next season. The Phillies are fine with this because they would not have a need for Halladay after 2010. The organization has several pitchers in development, including Drabek, who could be ready by 2011.

This is the reason that Halladay is a good fit for the Phillies now. The incentive for the pitcher to waive his no-trade clause and pitch for Philadelphia is a chance to play in a World Series.

Toronto has stated that it would only move Halladay if it is "blown away" by an offer, but really, what choices does that organization have? Any team that trades for Halladay this week would have him for the rest of this year and all of next season. If the Blue Jays don't move him now, no team will offer much value next July 31 just to rent Halladay for the last two months of the 2010 season.

If a trade has been consummated by the time you read this, welcome to Philadelphia, Roy. If not, Toronto has until 4 p.m. Friday to squirm.




Congratulations to the newest members of Baseball's Hall of Fame — Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice. Henderson was a lock in his first year of eligibility, but Rice should have been inducted years ago. Here's hoping that the long wait made Sunday's ceremonies that much sweeter for him.




That's my opinion. What do you think? Click on the "Comments?" link below and let me know.

Bill McFarland has covered the Phillies for several publications since 1991. He can be reached at 215-354-3037 or mcfarlandwilliam@hotmail.com

Next post: Aug. 12.

© 2009 www.Bill-McFarland.com

This column was posted on July 29, 2009. It may not be reproduced anywhere else without permission.

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