Roy Halladay: The Phillies Fit The Bill Of A Team I’d Move To
July 13, 2009 – 12:15 pm by Tas MelasThe time seems like it’s finally here: the Roy Halladay trade talk is heating up like never before. Roy is still ticking just as well as ever before, and he’s only 32, but with his trade value sky high, J.P. Ricciardi appears ready to cut the cord. There are reports that Ricciardi is asking for too much in return, but we’re talking about one of the top couple starters in the game. As a Blue Jay fan, there isn’t a more loyal man than Roy Halladay. Through all of these terrible years in the AL East, Roy hasn’t peeped once – he’s worked his ass off for the four days in between starts and then he’s done his team proud the following day. Halladay had that no trade clause included in his contract because he didn’t want to leave, but even the most honorable men are willing to listen. Halladay joined ESPN 950 in Philadelphia to discuss if he would waive the clause to join the Phillies, whether or not the National League or hitter-friendly Citizen’s Bank Park would be an issue, and if a contract extension is a necessity in order to waive the clause.
Would you waive the no trade clause to sign with the Phillies?
“Obviously, it’s a phenomenal team and it’s a team that’s winning and that kinda falls in line with what I’m looking for. Being so early, it’s hard to say, but I definitely think the Phillies would fit the bill of what I’m looking for.”
Are you open to playing in the National League?
“I think I’m open to anything. Once you get done playing in the American League East, I think hitting isn’t such a bad option. I think you look at all situations and kind of evaluate each one separately at that point.”
Being that Citizen’s Bank Park is a hitter’s park, is that a deterrent to joining the Phillies?
“As long as both teams are still gonna play at the same field, it doesn’t matter to me. I’ve always kinda believed that both sides have to hit in the same park, so that’s never been a huge emphasis for me.”
Would you need a contract extension past your current deal ending in 2010 to ok a trade?
“I haven’t really put a lot of thought in to it but you know, I’m at the point in my career when it becomes about winning. That’s really where I’m at and that’s my main goal; I think I put that first and foremost before anything else.”
Listen to Roy Halladay on 950 ESPN with Jody Mac and Harry Mayes
Tags: Baseball, MLB, Philadelphia Phillies, Roy Halladay, Toronto Blue Jays
