Halladay or No Halladay, Let's Have Some Faith...

Halladay, Halladay, and yes, you guessed it, more Halladay. Roy Halladay’s name has been tossed around so much in the Philadelphia area the past month or so that people who, thirty days ago didn’t know Roy Halladay from a national holiday, have become masterful experts with opinions as loud as gunfire on the pitcher. Of course, it’s not a bad thing to have this many people interested in the Phillies. In fact, it’s a welcome change of pace from years past when the majority of the region was ready for football season by the beginning of July. While the majority of fans seem to be willing to acquire Halladay at any cost, perhaps we should try to recall some very recent history.

Last season, the Brewers gave up a ton in prospects, including top outfield prospect Matt Laporta, to essentially “rent” C.C. Sabathia for a couple of months. The Cubs gave up four of their most highly regarded prospects to get Rich Harden. The Phillies, however, made the smallest splash in acquiring Joe Blanton for three prospects. Only one of these teams won the World Series.

While most media outlets proclaimed Milwaukee and Chicago sure favorites in the National League with their respective acquisitions, the Phils flew a little bit under the radar with theirs. In the end, it was the team who made the smallest splash at the trading deadline that made the biggest splash in the postseason.

This of course is not to say that Phillies fans shouldn’t be ecstatic if the team does, in fact, make a deal to put “Doc” Halladay in red pinstripes, but it is to say that they should not be overly disappointed if they do not. Given the Phils’ track record the past couple of seasons, maybe it’s time we had a little faith that they might make the right move, even if it’s not the loudest one.
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