Roy Halladay Could Be Traded This Year

From the gargantuan contract to CC Sabathia to the overly extended waiting game for Manny Ramirez to the numerous still unemployed players, this has been quite the wacky baseball offseason. If nothing else, though, it's been incredibly interesting. Due to the unstable economic climate, one can expect the trade deadline to be almost as exciting. If a team like the Toronto Blue Jays falls out of the race early -- which isn't out of the question -- expect them to start dealing high-priced talent in an effort to save money.

If that happens, big market teams who'd like pitching help -- such as the Cubs or Mets -- will be salivating at the thought of acquiring Roy Halladay.

According to a report in the New York Post, Blue Jays' general manager, J.P. Ricciardi, would not rule such a scenario out. Also, teams will be so desperate to save money, the contending teams may not have to shell out a bevy of top prospects in return. It's possible that taking on the extra payroll will be the main sacrifice.

Halladay will turn 32 this season and is due $30 million over the course of the next two year. A front-line workhorse, "Doc" has over 220 innings in five of the last seven seasons -- the other two he dealt with injury issues. He sports a stellar 131-66 record in his career. Last season he won 20 for the Jays to go nicely with a 2.78 ERA and 1.05 WHIP, finishing second place in Cy Young voting.

As Sherman mentioned in the Post article, Halladay would be the Sabathia of 2009's trade deadline -- even if Jake Peavy hits the market. Gimme Halladay over Peavy any day.