Roy Halladay Wins NL Cy Young

Halladay was an easy choice after going 21-10 with a 2.44 ERA and 219 strikeouts. He led the league in wins and topped the majors in innings (250 2-3), shutouts (4) and complete games (9).

Roy Halladay is the best pitcher I have witnessed in my life. The best thing about Halladay is that he seems to get better with age. He controls the strike zone, he is very efficient and very smart.

You just think Imagine if they just gave Dom Brown in the trade rather than Cliff Lee. That pitching rotation would be scary to think about. Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hammels and maybe Roy Oswalt. Ridiculous.

Phillies Force Game 6

The legend of Roy Halladay seems to grow with each passing game. Already throwing a no-hitter in the playoffs, now he out dueled Tim Lincecum, who beat him last time and he did it on only one good leg.

Halladay pulled his groin, and had to ride a bike in between inning to keep lose. Yet, he was still able to pitch 6 inning allowing only 1 run. Tim Lincecum also had a great game going 7 innings allowing 3 runs (2 ER) with 7 Ks. Even with these two Aces having solid games, the game ball has to go to the Phillies bullpen up pitched 3 scoreless innings, especially Ryan Madson who struck out the Giants' 4-5-6 hitters in the 8th, and Brad Lidge finished with a perfect 9th for his 2nd save this postseason.

A Huff error in the 4th ended up leading to the winning run for the Phillies, but Werth also put the game away in the 9th with a solo HR. Still, like has been all season the story was the pitching.

Now the series heads back to Philadelphia. Roy Oswalt will face Jonathan Sanchez in Game 6.

Ryota Igarashi agrees to $3M, two-year deal with NYM

"NEW YORK -- Hoping they found their setup man on the other side of the globe, the New York Mets agreed Thursday with Japanese reliever Ryota Igarashi on a $3 million, two-year contract.

The 30-year-old right-hander became the first major addition this offseason for the Mets following a 70-92 debacle that left them with a fourth-place finish in the NL East.

New York thinks Igarashi could fill the role of eighth-inning setup man for All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez.

"We've had an interest in Ryota for two years," general manager Omar Minaya said in a statement. "He's got a power arm and an outstanding split-finger."

Igarashi went 3-2 with a 3.19 ERA and three saves in 56 games last season in Japan. He struck out 44 and walked 20 in 53 2/3 innings." -ESPN.com

As a Mets fan I will not complain about this signing. I've been saying that I don't understand why the Mets have cannot make the smart rational decisions that even we as mere fans know to make. The Mets need PITCHING, and hitting too, and a new GM but pitching most importantly. Putz was a failure, I can only hope this new japanese setup man won't follow in the footsteps of every failed setup man since 2000.

As for the Bay signing? Honestly, if Jason Bay becomes a New York Metropolitan I will have no choice but to be excited. A power hitter to add some run support for Johan Sanata would be nice in Citi Field; but I don't want Bay. The Mets are notorious for signing players coming off of their contract seasons, in their early or mid 30's, giving them too many years. I trust that Jason Bay would be a great hitter in NY and in the National League again but look at Beltran for example; 32 years old, 19 million dollars in 2009 and hit amazingggggg .325 10 hr 48 rbi and 11 sb....but only played 81 games with TWO messed up knees that are only getting worse.

My Mets Plan:
> Trade Beltran NOW
> Sign and trade Bay
> Dump Luis (fuck face) Castillo and Carlos Delgado (FA)
> Keep Santana, Wright, Reyes, Krod and Pelfry; If your not one of those 5 guys...go the fuck awayyyyyyyyyyyy...rebuild

If the Mets think they have a shot at winning the World Series in 2010 with that team HAHA...I might as well let a Phillies fan laugh and slap me to remind me they just got Roy Halladay

Latest On Roy Halladay Trade

The deal is not done, and it looks like there are some problems still lingering...

"The three/four-way trade involving Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee is not yet official; here's our post yesterday for a refresher. The latest bit of news kicking off today's post: Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun tweets that he heard someone involved in the trade flunked their physical (one of the minor leaguers). Shi Davidi of The Canadian Press says Phillippe Aumont passed. There appears to be six other prospects involved in the deal, if you include the Michael Taylor-Brett Wallace component. Drabek had Tommy John surgery in July of '07, while Aumont had elbow issues toward the end of the '08 season.

A recap of the expected deal:

The Phillies get Roy Halladay, Phillippe Aumont, Tyson Gillies, Juan Ramirez, and $6MM. The Phillies will give Halladay a three-year extension plus vesting options.
The Mariners get Cliff Lee.
The Blue Jays get Kyle Drabek, Brett Wallace, and Travis d'Arnaud.
The A's get Michael Taylor (MLBTradeRumors)"

This will not kill the deal, but I don't expect this deal to be done until Friday. It will be interesting to see who flunked the physical, and who will take the place of the minor leaguer.

Halladay To Phillies In 3 Way Deal

"Cy Young winner Roy Halladay, who has been the subject of much trade talk since before last July's deadline, is headed to the Philadelphia Phillies, SI.com is reporting (ESPN)."

"Heyman tweets that a three-way deal has been agreed to with Halladay going to the Phillies and Lee to the Mariners. The Phillies are now trying to sign Halladay to an extension. However, in a subsequent tweet, Heyman apologizes for a quick trigger finger and says that while the Ms are confirmed as the third team he is checking to verify they'll get Lee. And MLB.com's Noah Coslov has no confirmed deal from Lee or the Ms (MLBTradeRumors)."

The deal sounds like the Jays will get prospects/money, while Halladay will go to the Phillies, and the Mariners get Lee. Wow, I don't know what the Mariners had to give up, but they are looking like a playoff team now. You team Cliff Lee up with Felix Hernandez and they are going to have an unstoppable rotation.

I think this was an unnecessary move for the Phillies. Lee gave them everything they needed. We don't know all the details, so I'll wait before I give all my judgements about this deal, but so far I love it for the Mariners.

Halladay Sets Deadline For Being Traded

If the Toronto Blue Jays plan on dealing Roy Halladay, they better get it done by the start of next season.

ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reports this morning that Halladay has agreed to waive his no-trade clause, but only until the start of next season. If a deal is not done by then, Halladay would then pitch the entire 2010 campaign in Toronto.

Halladay's plan would reduce the Jays' leverage in working out a deal. His "preferred destinations are the Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies or Angels," wrote Olney on Saturday. ESPN

Well Figuring I think Doc is coming to Sox, I'm happy to know when he is coming here. Halladay may be older and have a lot of mileage on his arm but all of that is irrelevant, he is an old time pro and will be good until the day he retires. To all the people who are saying they wouldn't give up Buchholz, shut up. Halladay is triple the times of a pitcher Clay is and ever going to be. I will gladly take a few championships with Doc, then wait around for Clay to hit his stride.

Red Sox To Get Halladay

The Boston Red Sox are ready to deal and they want to see an ace.

Citing an unnamed source, the New York Daily News reported on Tuesday that the team is "putting on a full-court press" to acquire Roy Halladay from the Toronto Blue Jays.

"They would love to get it wrapped up before the winter meetings [beginning Dec. 7]," the source said, according to the newspaper.

Halladay's name was mentioned prominently in relation to the Red Sox at the trade deadline last summer when the Jays said they were shopping the right-hander, but no deal could be worked out and he stayed put. ESPN

Yes! My plan is finally coming together. Halladay would be a perfect fit here and be the ultimate pro. He wouldn't need to pitch all those complete games because we have a good line up and good bullpen to protect him. Imagine having a line up of Beckett-Lester-Halladay-Dice K- Wake all have the capability of winning 18-20 games.(other than wake) The Sox need to be extremely active this offseason to stay on pace with the Yankees. I want them to really go after Chone Figgins, John Lackey, re-sign Jason Bay, and fuck it, when we are at it go after Matt Holliday.

Toronto GM Talks About Halladay To Red Sox

"New Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos told the Toronto Sun he wasn't going to comment on trade rumors, but did say that if all offers for Roy Halladay were about the same, he'd avoid sending the ace righty to AL East rival Boston.

"Now, if we had 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," Anthopoulos told the Toronto Sun.

In the same report the GM, who replaced J.P. Ricciardi at the end of the season, said he wouldn't rule out a trade within the division if the deal was good enough (Boston.com)."

For the Sox to get Halladay I think they would have to blow away the Blue Jays with their offer. I have said from the beginning I would be shocked if Halladay goes to the Sox or Yankees. I actually think the Sox have a better chance at eventually (probably next offseason) making a deal for Felix. Don't be shocked if the Sox try to make a move for Lackey as well...

Mets Will "Look Into" Halladay

"According to the New York Times, the Mets will "look into" Roy Halladay of the Blue Jays if he's made available. For one, yes, Halladay is available. Anybody familiar with the rumor mill knows Toronto is waiting for a mammoth offer. However, is that an offer the Mets are even capable of discussing, based on the prospects they have? It's a need and want dilemma, as Buster Olney wrote in his latest blog (ESPN)."

No shit the Mets are going to "look into" Halladay. This is a team that just kind of forgot that you need starting pitchers to win in this league. The Mets are going to need Halladay and/or Lackey, and then go out and round out some of their rotation with solid pitching. That is a lot to do if you are the Mets, but what choice do they have? Their minor league is nothing special (which will make getting Halladay tough), and I just don't really believe in much of what the Mets have...

Jays 12 Red Sox 0 (Wakefield To Retire?)

The Sox got blown out, but they were going against Roy Halladay and playing a bunch of scrubs. The real story in this game is whether or not this is the last time we will ever see Tim Wakefield pitch. The Wake went 3 innings allowing 5 runs, and just looks like he is not the same guy who had such a great first half of the year (remember he was an All-Star).

The Wake was arguably the MVP of the first half of the season for the Red Sox. In my mind I am thinking that there is no chance that he is on the playoff roster, and I think Wake knows it too...

“I don’t make those decisions (playoff roster),” Wakefield said when asked how realistic his place in the postseason was. “Those decisions will come down in the next couple days. I’ll deal with it when the time comes. If I’m on the team, great. I’ll give them everything I have, whether it’s in relief or a start or whatever. If I’m not, I’ll be the biggest cheerleader in the dugout.”

I know the 2nd half of the season Wake wishes went better, but he made the All-Star team. The Sox are in the playoffs, and I just think it is time for him to hang it up. He has nerve damage in his back that is going to require offseason surgery. So, as much as I love the Wake it is time for him to retire...

Halladay To Be Traded In Offseason?

"According to manager Cito Gaston, Halladay's future in Toronto could depend on what GM J.P. Ricciardi does to improve the team in the offseason.

"If we don't add anybody this winter, or go get somebody that can help, I doubt we keep him," manager Cito Gaston told the Toronto Sun. "That's my opinion. I don't know that. Would it make any sense to keep him? Probably not (ESPN)."

They Jays are rebuilding, and moving Halladay could really help jump start that. Toronto has some young talent (Romero, Lind, ect), but they need a lot more if they are ever going to be a threat in the tough AL East. I said it before at the trade deadline that I thought it was a mistake to keep this guy, especially when hearing some of the over the top offers they Jays were getting. Anyways, look for him to be moved before next years trade deadline, but I would be shocked if it is to a AL East team.

Red Sox 6 Jays 1

Going into this game I really didn't think the Sox had much of a shot. Halladay is a beast, and the Sox just never know what to expect from Buchholz. Well maybe Buchholz is learning something from all these aces he has had to go against (Halladay, CC, Verlander), because he was terrific.

The key to this game was making it a short day for Halladay. Usually easier said then done, but last night Halladay was off and the Sox took advantage. It started in the 2nd inning when Ortiz hit a solo shot followed by a Gonzalez RBI single. Not many people would notice but Ortiz since June 30th has more HRs in the AL then anybody else.

Boston kept the pressure on when Ellsbury hit an RBI triple to put the Sox up 3-0. The Jays were able to get a run back in the 4th, but that is all they could get off Buchholz as he went 6 innings allowing just the 1 run on 6 hits with 4 Ks. What a boost it would be if Buchholz could anchor the back of the Sox rotation.

Boston able to get 2 more runs on the board off Halladay when red hot Jason Bay hit a two run shot in the 5th. In the 9th the Sox added the last run of the night when V-Mart hit his 19th HR of the year.

Another good sign from this game was the play of the Sox bullpen. Ramirez, Okajima, and Saito combined to throw 3 scoreless innings to get the Sox their 68th win of the season.

With the win the Sox are still 7 games back in the AL East, but since Texas lost again last night the Sox are now a game up in the Wild Card.

Sox Still Talking To San Diego (2 UPDATES)

"The Globe's Tony Massarotti just checked in to report that according to well-placed baseball source, the Red Sox and Padres are continuing discussions this morning about Adrian Gonzalez. It is unclear which Red Sox prospects the Padres are pursuing, but considering that San Diego lacks depth in its farm system, there is the possibility that the Red Sox could supply San Diego a collection of players while hanging on to some of their elite prospects (Boston.com)."

I trust Mazz more then any other writer in Boston. This is a really good sign that the Sox have a shot here. San Diego has to rebuild their farm system and the Sox have one of the best in baseball, so maybe a deal could be pulled off without having to empty the entire farm system. I think by the end of the day the Sox will have either Gonzalez or V-Mart.

It should also be noted that the Jays GM has come out and said there are no deals on the table and he expect Halladay to be with the team the rest of the year.


***UPDATE***


"According to ESPN.com's Rumor Central (Insider only), Jayson Stark reports that the Red Sox have "pokers in the fire" on Halladay, Gonzalez, and Martinez as of this morning. He also speculates that the Red Sox would need a third team in the deal to acquire Gonzalez, if only because the recently acquired Adam LaRoche would probably need to be dealt elsewhere . . . SI.com's Jon Heyman notes that the Sox are poised to make a splash at the deadline, and a rival executive tells him believes Gonzalez is the primary target."

It sounds like the only thing holding up the Gonzalez deal is finding a 3rd team to take LaRoche...



*** UPDATE 2***

"Heyman's SI.com blog updates his tweet regarding Gonzalez and the Sox. He notes that the sides are discussing a "big package" that includes Buchholz, Masterson and Lowrie in exchange for Gonzalez. However, Heyman writes, the sides are still pretty far apart, and Boston is still in the mix for Cleveland's Victor Martinez. He also notes that the Padres are pressing for prospects Lars Anderson and Ryan Westmoreland, but that the Sox may have deemed Westmoreland and pitcher/shortstop Casey Kelly untouchable (Boston.com)."

It doesn't sound like they are going to be able to pull this off in time. You have to wonder if this will make the Sox turn around and really go hard after V-Mart who should be going for a much lower value then Gonzalez.

The Latest On Red Sox Trade Rumors

We will probably be making a lot of updates on this today, but here is what we are hearing this morning...

Victor Martinez - It is being said that the Sox have continued talks with the Indians. From the beginning the Indians have stated that Buchholz has to be part of the deal, which the Sox earlier rejected. It seems the Sox might be changing their tone a bit...

"ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports the Red Sox and Indians were discussing a three-way trade Thursday night that would send Victor Martinez to Boston, Clay Buchholz to Cleveland and prospects flying in all directions. The Red Sox also would attempt to move recently acquired Adam LaRoche, either to a third team or in a companion deal, to make room for Martinez in their lineup, one source said (ESPN)."


Adrian Gonzalez - As of last night things were not looking good for Gonzalez coming to the Sox. The Padres want a package that would at least include Buchholz, Michael Bowden, Daniel Bard and others in the deal. The Sox seem extremely reluctant to trade Bard, as they have plans for him to be the closer after Papelbon retires, and he is doing a great job in the bullpen right now. The deal is not done, and both teams are still talking, but as of right now they are no closer to a deal.


Roy Halladay - Buster Olney of ESPN has come out and said that trade talks for Halladay are "dead" and not just for the Red Sox. It seems the Jays have scared off a lot of the teams that were interested. Still there is always a chance the Sox/Yankees could make a last second push for the All-Star pitcher. There are also reports that the Rangers could jump into this race.


The deadline is at 4 today, and we'll keep you updated, but as of right now the only deal that looks likely is some kind of 3 team deal where the Sox get V-Mart.

The Sox Need To Make A Move

You know the Red Sox fans that freak out when something goes wrong and say the Sox need to make a bold move and often talk out of their ass? Well, I'm one of those fans. For Months I said that the Sox need to trade for Halladay, and they really should. Now that we are 3.5 down from the Yankees, I honestly believe Doc is the only cure for this team. Lets face it, Penny Sucks, Smoltz Sucks, who knows what is going on with Wake and Dice K. If we traded for Doc That would make our starting 3, Beckett, Lester, and Doc. How ridiculous is that? Not only would I think a trade would put a spark into the team mentally, but it would be adding the best pitcher in the game. I really would like V-Mart(who the Indians turned down a one on one trade which we would have given the Indians Clay Buchholz) or Adrian Gonzalez, however, I'm a fan of having too much pitching, than hitting. And for people worried about Doc bouncing after two years, fine. I will gladly take two world series trophies and have him leave, then losing in the play-offs again.

Roy Halladay To Red Sox???

I have said it from the beginning that I think there is no way he is coming here, but there are some rumors out there saying it might happen...

"Old friend Gordon Edes of Yahoo! Sports this afternoon reported that the Red Sox offered at least three players -- pitchers Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden and outfielder Ryan Westmoreland -- to the Blue Jays for Halladay, according to an unnamed source. Edes speculates that because the Blue Jays are looking for a shortstop, the Red Sox might be trying to bring a third team into the negotiations to satisfy that need. Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi has set a personal deadline of today to deal Halladay, though he recently said that was not set in stone (Boston.com)."

Would I be happy if the Sox did this? Yes, I would have to listen to endless shit talking from DP, but it would be worth it to have him on the team. Do I think it is going to happen? No. I still think the media loves putting the Sox and Yankees into every rumor mill. Don't get me wrong I think the Sox have kicked the tired here, but I would be shocked if the Jays traded Halladay within their own division, but who knows? I never thought the Sox would put together an off like that (if it is true). We'll keep ya posted...

Also, if the Sox were to do this I hope they could get Scutaro too. I mean if the Jays are doing this deal then they have given up on this year, and Scutaro is in the last year of his contract so why not??

So the perfect in my eyes for the Sox would be...

Buchholz, Bowden, Nick Green (or Lowrie), and Westmoreland for Roy Halladay, and Marco Scutaro.

Red Sox Looking To Make Big Trade

"The Red Sox have not closed the door on an impact deal for Roy Halladay of the Blue Jays or Victor Martinez of the Indians, according to the Boston Globe. Red Sox chairman Tom Werner told the Globe that GM Theo Epstein is "burning the midnight oil" on a possible big deal. A report on FoxSports.com says the Red Sox are looking into not only Halladay and Martinez, but Adrian Gonzalez of the Padres as well (ESPN)."

No shocking names on this list, but for the first time I am convinced the Sox are going to make a deal. The question is what they can give up. It looks like the Smoltz experiment is going to blow up in their face. So the Sox are going to need Wake to come back healthy. Penny is notorious for being terrible in the 2nd half, so could he be the guy out? Maybe a deal of Penny, Bowden, and another minor leaguer for V-Mart would make sense, but the Indians would have to lower their asking price.

The trade that really intrigues me is for Adrian Gonzalez. He is in a horrible slump, but from everything I have read the Sox want to make a deal not just for this year, but long term. Papi is on his way out, not this year, but the signs are there that he is nearing his end. So, maybe Gonzalez in a hitter friendly park could be a 40-45 HR hitter, who has a great OBP. Seems like a Sox guy, and he would add some much needed power. San Diego would be really pissed if the Padres traded him, so they are going to need some talent in return, but a deal that included Bowden, Anderson, and either Buchholz, or a couple of the single A guys that are ripping it up could get it done.

Anyways all interesting stuff to keep an eye on.

Let's Stop Mispronouncing Roy Halladay's Name

I have a helpful tool so people can learn how to pronounce Roy Halladay's name properly. Too many people have mispronounced it on WEEI or in bars the last few weeks, and I'm about to lose my mind over it.

Let's start off with a simple statement of truth. Cal Ripken sucks, and is gay.

So Cal is gay. Let's use this sentence to learn...

--Cal is gay.--

Replace the "g" in gay with a "d."

--Cal is day.--

Now let's replace the "C" in Cal with an "H."

--Hal is day.--

Take the "s" out of the word is, and we're left the name of the Blue Jays pitcher:

--Hal-i-day.--

Halliday.

-The Commodore

Gammons Says Dodgers Want Halladay

"Dodgers assistant GM Logan White has been in Toronto for the last two series, and L.A. is still hoping to stay in the Halladay sweepstakes, according to ESPN's Peter Gammons. Contrary to reports from other teams, the Dodgers will take Halladay's contract, and they have several Single-A and Double-A prospects to trade, such as shortstop Dee Gordon (Tom's son), 3B Josh Bell, OF-1B Andrew Lambo and OF Ethan Martin. There are two problems: L.A. does not have top pitching prospects at the upper minor league levels and no Toronto scouts have been in to watch the Dodgers' major league team in the last week. Still, one executive Wednesday said, "keep your eye on the Dodgers." L.A. has also been looking at Jays relievers, such as Jason Frasor (ESPN)."

Basically if the Jays lower their demands the Dodgers will be able to get him. If that is the case I expect that to be a trade deadline trade. DP thinks Halladay is coming to the Sox, while I think there is no shot the Jays trade within their own division, but DP is not alone there are some people who thinks the 2 trades the Sox made yesterday are paving the way for a Halladay trade. Once again I believe none of this...

Timetable Set For Halladay

Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi still hasn't received an appropriate trade offer for Roy Halladay, and has set a July 28 deadline to complete a deal for the 2003 Cy Young Award winner. ESPN

My first reaction to this is that this is a bunch of bullshit. So you are telling us J.P. that if a team out there offers you a sweet deal on the 29th, you aren't going to take it? Go fuck yourself. Secondly, if he holds true by this, that means the Red Sox only have 6 days to complete a deal. And by all accounts I will gladly have them take on Vernon Wells bat the way the Sox are hitting. I know Bob is on this Hitler like campaign about the Jays not trading within their own division, but I honestly believe they will if the offers right.