The New York Daily News is reporting that the Red Sox are about to get hot and heavy with the Blue Jays in their pursuit of Doc Halladay. An unnamed source indicated that the Red Sox would prefer to wrap up the deal before the Winter Meetings start on December 7th.
Now, if this unnamed source is telling the truth, will this ultimately force the hand of the Yankees? Undoubtedly. I can see the Yankees letting a John Lackey go to the Red Sox in free agency, but in no way would I ever want to see Doc Halladay just fall into their laps. Do I think he will come that easy to the Red Sox? Probably not, but considering the dearth of suitors available for the Blue Jays, it will likely come down to the Yanks and Sox again.
Mark Feinsand believes it would take a package of Phil or Joba and Jesus Montero and/or Austin Jackson to pry the good Doc away from Toronto. I can live without Austin Jackson, but it would almost certainly force the Yankees hand on the free agent market this year. Even then, Scott Boras would smell blood in the water and could possibly force a 3rd option year on to a possible Damon contract.
In other words, the fun is about to begin.
Kevin Rozell
Rob Bradley
7 more days until pitchers and catchers report
The Yanks should never, ever in a million years consider this trade.