"The Dodgers would have to pay dearly to get Halladay, as any team should. This is not about quantity, about trading half a dozen scrubs and suspects. This is about quality, about enticing the Toronto Blue Jays to surrender perhaps the best pitcher in franchise history.However, then it kind of unravels, not just because of the notion that the Dodgers could get by with aging Brad Ausmus as their No. 1 catcher.
The Dodgers ought to start by offering two-time All-Star catcher Russell Martin, a Canadian star for Canada's team.
"... The Dodgers also should offer two of their top 2008 draft picks -- shortstop Devaris Gordon, a high-ceiling shortstop prospect two or three years from the majors, and right-hander Josh Lindblom, the former Purdue closer who almost made the team out of spring training. Lindblom could go into the Jays' bullpen right now, perhaps into their rotation next year.The Jays have catching prospects; of course, 23-year-old J.P. Arencibia is hitting an Ausmus-esque .236/.291/.417 in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League (then again, he's 23).
"Keep in mind that neither Gordon nor Lindblom is ranked among the top 50 prospects in the minor leagues, as ranked last week by Baseball America. None of the Dodgers' prospects is ranked, in fact, and certainly the Dodgers will be bidding for Halladay against teams offering prospects near the top of that list.
"But this is the time. This group of Dodgers position players will run out of time soon. Martin, Kemp, Andre Ethier and James Loney all are eligible for salary arbitration next season, when Manny Ramirez figures to play his final season in L.A. Orlando Hudson is not signed beyond this season. Blake turns 36 in August. Shortstop Rafael Furcal turns 32 in October."
The Toronto Sun on Friday put the L.A. Angels as front-runners to get Halladay. The kneejerk response is that the Dodgers would love to get him. It's brinksmanship, baby.
Related:
Dodgers can't let Roy Halladay get away (Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times)
Posts
1 comment:
Bust up this team and leave JP at the curb while you're doing it. We need upgrades at first and 3 new outfielders at a minimum. The only guys worth keeping are Hill, Rolen (unfortunately only 1-2 more years), Lind and Scutaro. Vernon and Rios have the so-called "tools" but not the instincts and competitiveness to lead a team. Get what you can and start over including moving Halladay unfortunately.
Post a Comment