[Ziggy Lidstrom]

CLS,

If that's the truth and this trade is to offset some of the talent differential equations, then I think the Jays got exactly what they wanted except for middle inf support. Let's have a look at the optics of the 'deal' now.

Tor Rec: BWallace, KDrabek, TD'Arnaud, Brendan Morrow.
Tor Envoys: Roy Halladay, BLeague, Johermyn Chavez, Six Million.

Phi Rec: Roy Halladay, PAumont, TGillies, JRamirez, Six Million.
Phi Envs: Cliff Lee, Lou Marson, Carlos Carassco, Jason Donald, Jason Knapp, Kyle Drabek, Michael Taylor, Travis D'Arnaud.

Sea Rec: Cliff Lee, Brandon League, Johermyn Chavez.
Sea Envs: Brandon Morrow, Philipe Aumont, Tyson Gillies, Juan Ramirez.


When you look at it like that: Phillidelphia gives up the most with the seven prospects. Three of those were top 50 prospects and the other four could yield serviceable mlb talent as well. Then they gave up Cliff Lee. The Halladay acquisition is a near wash with Lee. But the 3 prospects and the six million Phi got, does that measure equal? I don't think so as there could be 4 potential astar players out of that prospect base. The 3 they received are not nearly as highly rated as the ones they shipped out. Thus, I think Philidelphia sold out the future for today's chance, somewhat. They still have the system and a top prospect, according to SI. But they acquired a HOF bound pitcher (if they win a WS) and shipped out a Cy Young Winner. The prospects they gave up will determine how bad the future will be once their current nucleus is dissolved.

The Blue Jays as we know were at the mercy of Halladay's NTC/NMC.
So, the optics for them withstanding, I feel they made out alright considering they were going to lose Halladay for two draft picks. They got 3 extra picks from that forgettable 06 draft. Plus, they got a high ceiling catcher prospect. The 3 extra picks are what will determine how the bluejays make out. Drabek could be an allstar, Wallace could be a silver slugger, and Morrow with a clear position could be a devastating starter, perhaps an ace. I see shades of a poor man's verlander with him. Also, the downside could be an american Rich soft but Harden.

Seattle is the obvious winner here. They gave up 3 average prospects, 1 in the top 100 and a pitcher they rushed to the big leagues and couldn't settle on a position for him. They gave all this up to get Cliff Lee, brandon League and Johermyn Chavez. A certified Cy Young winner and 2 usable pieces. More impressively was that it was with the Indians of 2 years ago when Lee won it. They were a giant mess.
I think with BLeague and JChavez it is good insurance with the picks if Lee does leave via FA.

I think the trade is more equitable now for the jays considering all teams involved worked out deals separately with each other. Even though this wasn't an official 3 team trade, it was a three team trade.

However, if AA truly was working on this deal for 2 months, then this entire post is superfluous poppycock. Yet, I still feel that if it took that long to consummate this deal, then it was the catalyst of Halladay to the Phils rendering them unable to keep Lee. Philli wanting to shop lee for next to nothing, that was deal breaker in the Morrow for League deal. Thus, Seattle got back a good return for what they gave up. If Lee leaves, then League and Chavez crash 'n burn they will be left with two picks for lee and Morrow. So, I feel that they have the most to lose as Tor was going to lose halladay anyway, and phili is getting what they want when they have a chance as good as any to return to the WS. If Philli wins 2 championships it will all be worth it. For Tor, they have 4 high ceiling guys that if pan out will be very valuable and tip the balance towards the Jays winning this one.

Go Jays

Go Halladay Win one for us.