First to Third: With Halladay, Caveat Emptor

The recent announcement by the Blue Jays that they will begin listening to offers for all-world pitcher Roy Halladay is dangerous for the 29 other teams in MLB. Halladay is the kind of pitcher who will put a team on his shoulders and carry them to the postseason, much like CC Sabathia did in Milwaukee in 2008. The big difference between Sabathia's departure from Cleveland and Halladay's possible departure is the trade bait.

CC, who was in the last year of his contract when he was dealt, was traded to Milwaukee for a good prospect in Matt LaPorta and a couple of other decent prospects. Halladay has this year and all of next year and because of this extra year, the Blue Jays are going to be expecting a colossal haul of top prospects. If your favorite team is looking at acquiring Halladay, be ready to have your farm system gutted. The Phillies are a team rumored to be chasing Halladay and rumors are swirling that the Jays could ask for top pitching prospects Kyle Drabek and/or Carlos Carrasco in addition to infielder Jason Donald or outfielder Michael Taylor.

If Philadelphia agrees to include 2-3 of these players, they will acquire a phenomenal pitcher to form a potent one-two punch with Cole Hamels, but their farm system will be set back several years with no guarantee Halladay is still around by the time the farm system recovers enough to support him.

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