Team sources dismiss report that Buchholz, Bowden, Westmoreland were offered for Halladay

Go for it ! 2004, 2007, 2009. I like the sound of it

Must get this one done Theo!

Theo, go get it done!! You're just adding to one of the best, if not the best, rotations in baseball.

It's not going to happen but this would be a FANTASTIC deal for the Red Sox. It's a no brainer that Halliday means a trip to the World Series for either the Red Sox or Yankees. Yankee fans will be jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge if the Sox get Halliday and the Nation will be jumping off Tobin Bridge or the Prudential Center. But it's not going to happen.

Love this deal. Two unknown but potentially high-value prospect for a proven ace to slot in at #3. Lose some pitching depth / youth but that was inevitable, whether through aging of current starters (wake, smoltz), FA (penny), etc... Junichi Tazama is still waiting in wings for back end of rotation, and Masterson may be able to convert back from relieving. Westmoreland is obviously highly rated, but also have Reddick, Kalish, etc... in minors. Could Jack Wilson be SS to be named for Toronto if they need to dump Scutaro?

I'd throw in Lowrie in a heartbeat if that's all it takes to get this done.

Come on JP!!!! You know you want to pull the trigger. Clay's pitched a no-hitter already.
Lordy I want Halladay...

This is why you stalk up on propects...for the opportunity to get a premier, season changing player for the stretch run. Beckett, Lester, Hallady in the playoffs for the next two years? you can trot out the Royals offense and still have an 80% chance of winning the series. Get Scutaro in the deal too...that solves our leadoff hitter need.

why trade in Division against yourself

ADD DICE K TO IT!!!!

Lord Jesus! Please!

HALLADAY - BECKETT - LESTER = WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!!!

No way he goes for only that. I'd love to see it happen, but its gonna take more.

We still need some hitters.

I'm not overly attached to Buchholz, but I can't imagine them giving up both Bowden and Buchholz in the same deal and not getting a hitter. If they are offering this deal, I would much rather have Gonzalez from the Padres.

DO IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A bird in hand is worth 3 in the bush...

Do it.
Do it.
Do it do it do it.

GET THIS ONE DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

absolutely go for it. best front 3 starters in baseball. our farm system is so deep that we are fine

I love Clay but this trade would be great. Have to do it.

We need an arm and a bat. Halladay is easily the best out there. Do it, do it!

Sorry but anything that comes out of Gordon Edes mouth, is pure rubbish.

Kotsay goes to Chicago for outfielder, who replaces Westmoreland in Pawtucket.

Could the Sox pick up Scutaro as well??? Then Lowrie becomes a 2B/SS platoon.

Not a chance. NEED BAT. BAT.
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LOL@ Boston

He will be a Phillie.

No way that this group of players gets the job done... I wonder if this will have any effect on Buch as he surely will hear this report before he takes the mound tonight. Last thing he needs...

This is an absolute no-brainer

With Halladay, the Red Sox would be set in the rotation for the next few years and buy some time to develop some more starting pitching in the minors.

I would definately do the deal. I would rather go with someone who I know is great than someone I think may be very good.

Why do the Jays need to get rid of Halladay and Scutaro?

"We believe that the financial performance of the Blue Jays can improve," said Tony Viner, president of Rogers Media, the corporate arm responsible for the team, stadium and broadcasting. "In fact, it's the one division of the media company this year, year over year performance is better than it was. We think that we can bring costs reasonably under control and more in line with revenues.

Glad to think you guys all want this. I'm skeptical. As Jay says in #9, why trade against yourself. That goes both ways; I don't particularly want us to have to face buchholtz and bowden.

YES YES YES A MILLION TIMES YES

I hope this happens.

can we throw in JD Drew for free too?

Easy everyone! Do the names Sauerbeck, Suppan, and Gagne ring any bells? Theo has not had luck at the deadline.

It would be a coupe for the Red Sox but let's face it, if the Yankees decide to enter the sweepstakes they'll get Halladay. They're probably the only team in baseball who overpay time and time again, because they can afford to.............

Wait a minute...give up ALL that...for a guy who's contract expires in October and could be a Yankee in 2010...!!!!!!???????????????? No thanks.

Buchholz, Bowden and Westmoreland and isn't nearly enough for Halladay. Throw in Anderson or swap Bard for Bowden and then it might be worth in.

if this is true, do it now before the jays sober up. we would still have a very decent minor league players for future bargaining chips or for our needs. do it now theo.

Gordon....Your mouth to God's ear....

Toronto will need more than just Bucholz, Bowden and Westmoreland so unless there are other pieces involved no way this trade happens.

Could you people all calm down? Such short term memory - remember the reports that the Sox were a lock to land Teixeira, until he landed with the Yankees!? Could be the same red herring here. Don't buy it until it's done!!! And I for one don't buy it for a second.

When Buchholz was called up to pitch vs. Toronto last week, didn't Tito say the nod was a way of showing CB that he was a "big part of the team's future?" I trust Gordo's word, but something doesn't add up here. Another note: How effective will Clay be tonight with trade rumors swirling in his head?

I love Clay to, but I'll pack his bags and drive him to the airport-

PLEASE make this happen!

They want Lowrie? Fine, give them Lowrie.

They want Kelly? Fine, give them Kelly.

They want Masterson? Fine, give them Masterson.

They want Bard? Make it Halladay and Scutaro and it's yours.

I like Buchholz....he is an excellent prospect......you can win the division without Halladay....but you can win it all with him.

I like Buchholz....he is an excellent prospect......you can win the division without Halladay....but you can win it all with him.

Pinstripes are boring, red is sexy. Ever seen pinstriped lingerie? No!

Red is the new pinstripes...c'mon Roy, play for a winner!

Do the deal...now!

I like Buchholz....he is an excellent prospect......you can win the division without Halladay....but you can win it all with him.

Alright everybody calm down...Does anyone else think this is a bit crazy. Dont get me wrong I would love to see Doc in a Red Sox uniform. But we need a bat more than an arm. Our offense has been down right awful Lately. The last few days have been encouraging. But anyone will say that just to sell the farm to get Halladay...I'm not sure we should go throwing prospects to a division rival. The AL central seems like the place to go for cheaper talent. Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez for a similar package of players that would land Halladay. This seems like a no brainer. Beckett, Lester, LEE. And Martinez in the middle of the order instead of watching Nancy Drew take too many called third strikes. That deal seems to be more worth while to me. Having Halladay would be great...but at what cost?

Let's see if Clay pitches tonight... if not, we know something "real" is brewing.

Phillies will offer a better package,and I agree tallent better spent on Gonzalez,Papi's done,we need a bat

Bad, bad, bad deal ... Halladay is too old to give up Clay for this deal. Sox will be sacrificing the future for short-term gain. Yes, Halladay in the Sox rotation would be amazing, but giving up a (near) future starter like Buchholz isn't worth it, IMO.

The Sox desperately need a bat, not an arm!

Halladay is signed through 2010. And the Yankees don't have the prospects the Sox do. They can't just throw a bunch of money at the Blue Jays and purchase Halladay. I'd be more concerned with the Angels and the Phillies.

Its not my money that will be paying Halladay so I say do it. If Buchholz or Bowden turn out to be really good, we can trade prospects to Toronto for them when Halladay and/or Beckett is washed up.

You know JP said it should hurt. This deal feels good but gives me a sick feeling in my belly ... This offer might be close

I do really like Bucholtz and Bowden, but we're talking about acquiring Roy Halladay! Perhaps one of a handful of guys in the bigs that I'd slot ahead of Beckett. What do we do with the rest of the rotation? Wake, Penny, Smoltz, & Dice-K (who probably stays on DL til rosters expand). Only 2 spots left for 3 guys.

Random threadjacking- name the pitchers you'd slot ahead of Beckett? Halladay, and Lincecum are the only certainties in my mind. Beyond that, Felix Hernandez? Greinke? Haren? Cain? It's a short list. Add in Lester, and we've got 3 of the top 10 pitchers in the league in our rotation. Make it happen, Theo!

I still doubt Toronto will trade in the division. They might be out of it this year but this will come back to haunt them for the next several years. I doubt this trade happens.

"It would be a coupe for the Red Sox but let's face it, if the Yankees decide to enter the sweepstakes they'll get Halladay. They're probably the only team in baseball who overpay time and time again, because they can afford to............."

"Could you people all calm down? Such short term memory - remember the reports that the Sox were a lock to land Teixeira, until he landed with the Yankees!? Could be the same red herring here. Don't buy it until it's done!!! And I for one don't buy it for a second."

the Skanks don't have the right kind of prospects to pull this off. Period. The Sox have the organizational depth to blow the Skanks away with this one.

also, trades are different then FA signings. You can't just throw money at them. Halladay has already ok'd a trade to Boston, no word yet on whether or not he'd play in New York. The Mets dropped out early on, might be a lead there.

throw in Lowire instead of Westmoreland and bring Orlando back.

and remember, this is (rumored) to be what we offered, not what they asked for.

Will this be enough prospects to acquire Roy Halladay? Probably NOT, especially since the Jays and Sox are in the same division (unless, of course J.P. Ricciardi really is in "Fire Sale" mode). However, considering that Toronto has a chance to get Buchholz and Bowden, it WOULD drive up the price for other players in the Halladay sweepstakes... particularly the Yankees and the Rays.

DO IT!!!! Please. There are only five Sox that should not be part of any deal: Beckett, Lester, Youkilis, Pedroia and Bard. And there are two more that should be kept out of most -- not all -- trade discussions: Ellsbury and Paplebon. The rest should keep their bags packed. This team as presently constituted is not a serious bet for WS contention. The absolute first priority is to get Halliday. Next best move would be getting Victor Martinez who will give you 20 homers, 100 RBIs, hit near 300 and walk almost as much as strike out. The only other player worth trading for is Hanley Ramirez, who could play center field in place of Ellsbury which will add 20 homers to the position. The other contemplated trades are ridiculous window dressing.

Adam Z, Halladay is under contract for 2010. He would not be a free agent until 2011, and if you think the Red Sox would not try to extend that before he becomes a free agent, you're just being naive.

I don't like the deal though. Unless Alex Rios comes this way in the deal as well, this is a very poor trade. Only way I'm offering Buchholz and Bowden in the same package is if it's going to Cleveland for Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee (and that's a FAR better deal than all that for Halladay).

NO...NO...NO....don't mortgage the FARM for this.

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!! THIS IS A TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TRADE!! KEEP CLAY!!!!

I am kind of wondering if we are working with the Phillies at all or are we working with the Blue Jays to get the Phillies to commit. I wouldn't be surprised if this causes the Phillies to bite and we in turn give Lowrie to the Blue Jays for Scutaro and we will have a lead off guy, Ellsbury back to the seventh spot and Nick Green as our back up middle infielder. Of course, Riccardi doesn't really like Bucholtz.

I've been mulling this over for a while, ever since Buchholz was brought up in the deal, and I was hesitant... until this circulated, that he was offered. I am picturing Halladay in a Sox jersey and he looks f'in sexy (I don't care that I'm a dude). I think think of Buchholz in the baby blue Jays uniform and, well, I think it it might be the best place for him.

Buchholz, Bowden, Westmoreland, & Lowrie get it done. Then flip 2 AA prospects to Pitt for Jack Wilson. Improve SS and Lock down the best roatation in MLB. Theo Do It Now......Please.

Most likely explanation ... Theo tossed this one to Edes to see Clay's reaction. Buchholz either man-ups and pitches a helluva game tonight, or this screws with his head and then Theo knows to get rid of him ASAP.

Victor still makes the most sense to me.Varitek in backup.Bring on a bat,Theo!

T-Ep rules. Have to applaud the effort either way.

i do not buy this report. unknown sources are usually wrong. the jays is trying to pressure the phillies.

My oh my-- how did we get to this juncture. The red sox nation buys into Theos theory of " let us hope in the great resurrection of Smoltz and Penny and put a head in the sand attitude when it comes to realizing that injuries are an integral part of the game and what was once a strength, (starting pitching) has debilitated into a pennant ending weakness. So my friends let us ante up a few sheckles more for an already over priced ticket and acquire some star value. Mr Bucholtz , for those of you that have followed the team long enough is the new incarnation of Billy Rohr. Out with the unproven talent and in with the proven Mr Halladay. The nation will foot the bill

this is nuts.... is the mere "idea" of 1 WS worth the future of this team? Halladay will be a yankee by april (or sox will break the bank trying to stop it). this is a complete waste. I am sick of the fans calling the WS a garantee with ANY ROTATION! There is no garantee. Sox proved that to the yankees in 2004. lets not lose our head (and our farm) on this!!!

Hey could this get done today? Clay is starting tonight and the Jays called today the 28th of July as their deadline.

Anyone else see the possibility? Heads up nation! Something may happen...Theo throw Lowrie in the package please ASAP, let's GET R DUN!!!

If this is almost good enough for the Jays, then throw in Lowrie (the SS they need) + Manny Delcarmen and scoop up Scutaro too!

Is there another OF prospect that the Jays would accept? Just read Westmoreland's profile and he looks like a potential Ellsbury w/ power....

If all you have to give up is Bowden and Buchholz along with Westmoreland...that's a no-brainer. Which likely means that it isn't true. That would be a steal of epic proportions. Even if we need a bat, to acquire a Cy Young winner at that price...it would be criminal for Theo to not pull the trigger.

Im sure if they win the next 2 world series ppl will not complain about Bucholz for Hallady. I like LaRoche on this team and using him and youk at 1st and 3rd is fine with me. Padres will not trade Gonzalez...he is their only NAME. Where does martinez play? Unless LaRoche is part of the deal we have 5 players for 3 spots..1B 3B and DH. Add depth to the rotation and you can get by in a playoff series with a less then average offense. Pitching wins in October.

Everyone relax...it's not going to happen.

The Blue Jays aren't stupid enough to trade him to Boston. They're gonna use Boston as a pawn to bait another team into upping their offer for Halladay. I do think we need another starter....I'm tired of the experiments with guys coming off rehab (Penny, Smoltz, Gagne...)

I WANT TO KEEP WESTMORLAND...

OK We get him and give up all good prospects. OK what about next year when he is a free agent. Do you think the Sox are going to meet his price..NOT..OK so we give all that for a rent-a- pitcher..Please..there are still smart Sox fans right??

BURN THAT PHONE LINE THEO GO GO GO

Toss in Lowrie if the Jays send back pending FA Scutaro.... Solves SS and leadoff questions...

Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee please - younger, signed longer, two stars instead of one. Halladay has arguably been the best pitcher of this decade and I'd love to add him but Clay could be the best pitcher of the next decade.

Buchholz will be a good pitcher, but you have to trade value to get value. If all it takes is a SS, then let the Jays have their pick of what we got! If that's all that stands in the way of adding an ace for the stretch run, we'd be foolish not to do it.

I only needed to come on here to respond to the absurdity of the idea that Halladay would be #3 in *any* rotation in baseball. Sure, maybe #2 behind a handful of contemporaries, but Roy Halladay not just a good pitcher. He is in the "best AL pitcher of the past decade" conversation. His record isn't as good as his abilities.

And people act like he's 48 or something. Sure, he's 32. Clemens was 33 when he left Boston. Remember how that worked out?

As a Jays fan, I sincerely hope this deal does not happen. Because we'll be gift wrapping trophies for you guys if we go through it. I know you're having hitting troubles right now but they'd have to be REALLY bad hitting troubles to not win with Beckett, Halladay and Lester in your rotation and a solid bullpen.

"IF" this makes the deal then the sox should turn around and offer PENNY SMOLTZ and DICE-K to anyone who has a bat that they are willing to trade in a deal for their choice.

Great deal if it can happen. And how would this be mortgaging the farm system if the Sox hold onto young talent like Masterson, Bard and Anderson????? Plus Buchholz is beginning to look like he has issues-sell high while people remember the no-hitter!

IF there is a god, please let this get done tonight.

amen.

This makes total sense. They just acquired a minor league replacement in the OF position in Anderson. That frees them up to include Westmoreland. The other piece will be in the form of a SS. Whether it be Lowrie or Greene. Greene is playing well and is cheaper. This is why there has been rumors about the Sox looking at Wilson from the Pirates again. The FO is thinking ahead on how they can replace the SS they will add to the package to make it more attractive than what the Phillies have offered. Before it is all said in done, Halladay will be in Boston along with Wilson. I just dont know if Lowrie or Greene will be a Blue Jay along with the others.

Halladay too old? dumb comment. He will give you inside track to the next 3-5 world series if you sign him to an extension. You dont need hitting with Beckett-Lester-Halladay and Bard closing

The Sox have four areas where they can improve via trade:
1. Starting pitching
2. Power bat
3. SS
4. Lead-off hitter

If we can get Halladay and Scutaro (pretty big if), that address everything except for the power bat. And I'm not sure about the wisdom of trading for a power bat (say VMart or AGon). For that player to be in the line-up, one of Youk, Lowell, or Papi would have to sit. And if Lowell returns to his early season form and Papi hits like it's June all year, then the power bat isn't much of an upgrade at all.

If Youk, Bay, and JD can start hitting again, we won't need a hitter at all, esp. w/ Halladay at the top of our rotation! :-)

Not going to happen. J.P. is looking for pitching and offense. I would love for this to happen but it's not. Remember, if you don't mind doing the deal, it means that it's not that good of a deal for the other team. Throw in Bard with that deal and you might think twice. That's what makes it an even deal. I love the trade deadline!

Why don't the Sox go after Marco Scutaro?
.295 ba, 8 hr, 46 rbi and .388 obp would fit perfectly in the lineup at shortstop...

Now is about the time the Yankees are getting set to offer Joba, Hughes and Cabrera...

Ain't happening. No way!!!! They'd be going against their mission statement of developing future talent. They pay alot for these kids in the draft and have a great history of developing them into stars in the MLB. Papelbon, Youkilis, Pedroia, Masterson... You should see this kid Westmoreland! He's a local kid and the best athlete in the organization. I would hate to see Theo mortgage the future...

This is a no brainer. 99% of people on this board would do it which is why it won't happen as is. Too lopsided, and impossible to sell to Jays fanbase.

I hope this does not happen. I dont know why all of you are drooling over Halladay, he is one of the top pitchers in the game, dont get me wrong. But pitching should be last on Theo's "Things to get" list. I dont like giving up the farm for a pitcher that we would have for a year and a half. I think the only guys worth giving up these quality prospects are Adrian Gonzalez and Victor Martinez.

It would be a much better deal if Epstein threw in Nancy Drew and the J@p.

You do this deal, because Halladay is the promise, whereas Buchcholz and Bowden are merely the hope. But I say you only do the deal as a sign and trade where the Sox lock up Halladay beyond this year....that my friends is why this deal probably won't happen. Theo won't give all that up for three months of service, and
Halladay has one last shot at silly "Yankee money" which I don't think he'll give up. Now, Halladay may give this up if he has any admiration for what it means to be on the Red Sox....that's the dream now isn't it?!

From espn.com:
"That proposed deal would bring Drabek, pitcher J.A. Happ and the Phillies' best outfield prospect, Dominic Brown, to Toronto in exchange for the 32-year-old Halladay."

This is the deal that the Phillies are NOT willing to give to the Jays. So I say, really, there's no way the Jays accept the Sox offer?

Do it. Nobody in this town has ever been villified for going for it all!

it's basically the same as what JP asked from from the Phils. a good rookie pitcher, a high-ceiling prospect pitcher, and a high-ceiling super athletic OF. start there and if Toronto thinks Bowden

I like Clay Why don't you throw in Smoltz and Penny Smoltz only hurting the Red Sox

GO AHEAD....MAKE MY DAY, IF YOU GOT THE STONES THEO !!!, ......iT'S REALLY A NO-BRAINER..WITH THOSE THREE UP FRONT.. GEORGE JR. WILL DROP DEAD BEFORE THE OLD MAN...

Clay doesn't have the stones to pitch successfully here in Boston. The Sox should sell high on him. That said, no way the Jays do this deal - they will ask for Bard.

As much as I would love for this to happen, I don't think the Jays will trade within there own division. They will listen to Boston's offer for other teams to ante up. But, historically I have never seen a star pitcher traded within the league. They might send him to the National League but not within the AL IMO.......

Why not try and include Scutaro in the deal? The Sox are looking for SS help and Scutaro has had a solid year (in fact much better than he has ever had)... he would certainly upgrade the SS position for the Sox in the stretch run. Toss in Lowrie and another middle-tier low level prospect and get this thing done!

I have no problem with this deal. Buchholz and Bowden are not going to amount to much.

Just give them Drew, DiceK, and the hitting coach - we'll pay for their plane tickets.

I think the Jays are better off trading him now, next year they'll get at lot less for him. and the Sox should be the strongest buyer on the mkt. If they don't trade him now they will lose.

You heard it here first. Send Jason Varitek and (his 225 average and 5mil a year dirt cheap contract) Clay Buckholz and the player to be named later and let them go. It worked before with Nomar and it will work again. Win now and let everything else fall into place....Clay we hardly new ya...

Won't make a difference.

Becket pitches, they lose 2-1.
Lester pitches, they lose 3-0.
Halladay will pitch, they'll lose 1-0.

I'd pull the trigger on this one, though it's Bowden I'd hate to let go, not Buch. And didn't we have a spare shortstop kicking around here someplace?

Oh yeah, right.

Love this deal but I doubt Jays go for it. At least we tried. Those are actually the 2 prospects I was hoping we'd take a shot at Halladay for. Remember, we're not quite the Yankees when it comes to spending money but we're also not the Twins or TB either. We can get rid of the prospects and make up for it with $$$ signings later.

Ya, sure we need hitting too but you have to love the rotation with Halladay. Plus, he could end up pitching another 3, 5, maybe 7 years. Look at The Rocket after he left.

This is not a great trade for the Blue Jays. There has to be cash incentives as well. I would be amazed if the Blue Jays took it.

Westmoreland can NOT be traded until August 15th. Edes should know better.

People need to realize that there is a log jam at 1st and 3rd and now you want to add another first baseman? Guess what...Youk will have to be included in a Gonzalez deal...its the only way this can work. So you are basically making a lateral move...Yes gonzalez have more pop then youk but youk is a better all around player. PITCHING WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.

How about we take a look at Detroit and get Granderson and Verlander? I know they are trying to dump payroll and get younger players....Verlander may not be a roy halladay but would be a pretty damn good #3 starter behing beckett and lester. Plus we'd get a great leadoff hitter. Put Buchholz and Bowden in that deal and we're golden

Wont happen. Theo hasnt done squat since he has been here in regards of picking people up. Ok, the Nomar trade worked out and he got Schilling, but take a look at the article showing the other players that he got since he has been here. And the players he let go. Sanchez, Manny, etc. Not a good record.

the Jays are owned by Rogers, Canada's biggest communications company. they're being run now the same way the Braves were once Turner sold them...as a business. Rogers doesn't care about the fans, just the bottom line....I like this deal and i think it will happen.....

Wow, now which team is trying to buy a championship? Looks like the "evil empire" now resides in Kenmore Square.

Why would Toronto be interested in Smoltz or Penny? And they are not interchangable with Bucholtz. You have to give up something to get something.

Why not try and include Scutaro in the deal? The Sox are looking for SS help and Scutaro has had a solid year (in fact much better than he has ever had)... he would certainly upgrade the SS position for the Sox in the stretch run. Toss in Lowrie and another middle-tier low level prospect and get this thing done!

Go baby GO!
Please do not trade bard. I'd rather see Papelbon go than Bard.

This is a no-brainer! Theo make it happen and you will be a legend here on out! The Red Auerbach of the Red Sox!.The disco era will have to be revived becasue the Sox new song will be "Ain't No Stopping Us Now."

Not a chance. Come on, Renting Halliday for 12 starts, and giving up a future ace and a solid #2 starter in Bowden? No way. I would not do this trade. Halliday has already said he is testing the free agent market at the end of the season. So why trade your future for a half season guy? These pitchers (Buchholz and Bowden) can lead the Sox to multiple World Series victories in the future.

Halladay turned 32 a couple months ago. This makes it a little iffy for me, but I am very excited about the prospect of Beckett/Lester/Halladay. A good deal for the Jays as well - Buchholz will be an excellent started for a decade.

Still need a bat. Even if they do it!

And the Brew crew needs arms. The sox should ask about Ryan Braun for
Bard
a paid for J. Bay
and Casey Kelley
or Prince Fielder and throw in the kitchen sink, Fielder could rule Fenway for years!!!

Hey, I'd love to see this happen but why would Ricciardi/Toronto give the Sox the best rotation in baseball for at least the next two years and maybe for the next four? I can't see a trade of this magnitude within your owb division....could Ricciardi be that desparate??

Theo still needs a thunderstick - team currently lacks legit clean-up hitter. Picking up another arm means that Ellsbury needs to channel Maury Wills and the Red Sox need to re-fashion themselves along the lines of the 1960s Dodgers, but without an equivalent Don Drysdale/Sandy Koufax combo, this would be futile. Victor Martinez, please, and a throw-in SS for Bowden and Buchholz. Thanks, Theo.

Let's take a look at a few things.
Pitching reality: Halladay is an annual stud in the IP/K's/CG's/W's columns while not only pitching in the AL, but the AL EAST! His contract runs through 2010. So, with Beckett & Lester, Halladay gives you a TRULY legitimate shot at the WS this year AND next. #4 & #5 starter will be Wake/Penny this year - (who cares? The ace from the Sister's of Saint Mary's softball team, for all I care).
Does anybody believe that rotation will NOT get us the playoffs? Once there, can the Yankees, Angels, or Rangers match up in a series? NO way! Don't even joke about anyone in the NL matching up in the WS against that top three.
I'll take that over wondering if/when Buch and Bowden will lead us to the WS.

Hitting reality: What IS the fuss over Gonzalez/Martinez? Has anyone looked at their seasons month by month rather than season totals? They are both taking nosedives after hot starts. Doesn't that sound a lot like what we are complaining about in the Sox' current lineup? Take a look at their respective averages by month, April to July!
Gonzalez - .333/.250/.235/.177
Martinez – .386/.321/.240/.176
You want a REAL good deal? Make this pitching swap happen, but add more to it. It was reported earlier this week that Toronto is also looking to move Scutaro. Hmmm, can anyone name a team with SS problems that also has had problems in the leadoff spot? OH YEAH, I remember - the Red Sox!
Check THESE April - July splits on Scutaro - .281/.322/.229/.354
He had a tough June, but he has rebounded, which cannot be said for Gonzalez or Martinez.

markes018

PLEASE!!!! Throw in Delcarmen too if it'll sweeten the deal.

Why didn't the Sox offer Lugo for Halladay straight up, assuming of course the Jay's would have been willing to pay all of Lugo's salary and most of Halladay's

Huge.

R.S.J. Why will George jr. drop dead? He has the best batting lineup in the league. Even if Halladay keeps them under 3 runs, the Redsox arent going to put up more than three so how is this good. Sox need a bat or two more than anything.

Don't forget -This is What the SOX offered. Not what the BJ's WANT. Of course it's a no brainer but I have a hunch the BJ's will want Bard too. A 4 for one. That makes it much tougher to do. That's a LOT to give up.

Sox fans are silly to think Jays would trade for that lame offer, especially w/in the division. Idiot Jays GM already back pedaling by "false" deadline. Phils get it done in the end and break your bleedin' hearts in October! You should have gotten the guy that spells his name w/ an "o" than "a" and you'd have the bat you really need!!! For all you silly Sox fans that would be Matt Holliday!

I'll drive the bus to toronto to pick him up...............do it now- it definitely is better than the Phillies offer..........buchholz may end up good, but he is not beckett or lester...how good is this rotation?
BECKETT-LESTER-HALLADAY for the playoffs

How about Matsuzaka for Halladay... At this point I'd rather see him go than Buchholz...

Clay doesn't have the stones to pitch in Boston. No great loss there. However, there is no way the Jays take this offer given what the Phillies have on the table and the idea that AL East team will have to pay a premium for Halladay. Throw in Bard and there might a deal here.

Theo, Mr Henry, Mr. Werner, PLEASE throw in Lowrie & get Halladay. Becket, Lester, Halladay in a rotation come pennant race/playoff run will make everything worth it for the next year & a half. Let's have some excitement around here & spit back in the Yankee/ Cashman face for the nonsense they pulled over the winter with Texieria. PLEASE MAKE THIS DEAL HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who really wants the prima donna from Japan? We give him the freedom to pitch in the waste they call the WBC, then were stuck with his bloated contract? Now he has the gall to bitch about our workout regime. Please look in the mirror Dice-K, your number one priority should have been to your team. Nobody's taken on that contract, not even the shameeys. Get him healthy and try to deal him at next years trade deadline if possible.

Luv these Sox fans!!! Why give up anyone? JP would surely be happy trading their franchise player to a team only slightly better than his (though he lost almost his entire starting rotation and closer to injuries at the start of the season) for a bag of balls or unproven minor leaguers. JP will suffer a Minaya type slow-death if he pulls any type of trade of Halladay to the Sox. Now, if he was to trade Vernon Wells to the Sox for Buchholz and Bowden, maybe JP would pull the trigger.

Jays will not trade him within the division unless the acquiring team overpays (players not money). So my bet is Phillies get him or no one does (unless stupid Yankees overpay for him).

If this gets done July 28 should become another Boston Hallady! sorry couldn't pass it up.

Go for it.
And while your at it, throw in Dice K as well. Apparently he is cry baby.

And that's why girls should never comment on sports Paula. You'd rather have Bucholz than Halladay? Way to rebuke those pink hat allegations.

Go get em Theo!

Personally i think Clay is a D-Bag in person. Im talking a few years back when he was a no-body...barely sniffing the Fenway Grass. I have never liked him since that bad meeting - let him go.

Other than my personal feelings...THIS COULD SPELL WORLD SERIES...but i would like to see some more hitting!

Send Tazawa with Buchholz and Westmoreland, keep Bowden.

If it "has to be" these three, I say still do it, but I'd fight like hell to
keep Bowden if Buchholz is getting shipped out.

NO DEAL WAS EVER MADE

... settle yourselves down HE IS NOT COMING TO BOSTON

Not enough, plus now that it's out it just won't happen. This is just a trial baloon letting us know Theo tried. If it was going to happen, we would be reading that this WAS the deal.

who says we're renting Halladay? Smoltz and Penny most likely won't be back. should free up some $$$$

Won't this guy crash and burn after he joins the Red Sox, like Gagne, Dice-K, and oh-so-many others? So, what's the point?

If clay isnt scratched by 6est then hes not getting traded and this isnt happening

If clay isnt scratched by 6est then hes not getting traded and this isnt happening

Why not Cliff Lee? He is younger and almost as good. And won't cost as much.

go for it too bad we cant throw dice-k in there and get rid of lowrie
Beckett-Halladay-Lester-Wake-Penny o yea

LOL@ Boston

He will be a Phillie

Looks like these new "die hard" Philly fans are getting nervous

Really exciting stuff. Beckett, Halladay, Lester for the top of the rotation? Are you kidding me?

HOlliday is a Colorado hitter. Birng Halliday here for Bucholtz Bowden and the other guy. No one can offer better than that deal. When you have great poitching you can get by with good hitting.

kk54 - That 'lame' offer is better than the one that Toronto ASKED FOR from the Phillies....

Halladay and Wells to boston

Buchholtz,drew, bowden, and westmoreland?

does it make sense dump drew with 30 million left

take on wells 100 mil and play rightfield

Trade all three with Jed Lowrie and take back Scutaro!

"A source told Dan Roche, an anchor for WBZ in Boston, that the Red Sox did not offer Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden and Ryan Westmoreland in a potential deal for Roy Halladay.
This shoots down a report by Gordon Edes of Yahoo.com earlier this afternoon. "

Like I posted earlier "anything that comes out of Gordon Edes mouth, is pure rubbish"

I'd hate to see Clay Buchholz go, but I would really like to see this guy get a chance to pitch regularly in the major leagues. I'd prefer to see him pitching for the Red Sox, but as long as he can pitch for a major league club, that will be a good outcome for all parties involved.

NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!

Worst-case scenario Bucholz becomes a star like Hanley Ramirez. But if Halladay can bring us the WS this year, it's still worth it and you do it - period. Who in hindsight wouldn't still make the Beckett/Lowell for Ramirez trade? Let's not forget that a vast majority of these prospects don't pan out over the long term. Halladay is not only a proven All-Star but a future HOF'er. Plus Bucholz already has a bad attitude. I second the "trade him while everyone remembers the no hitter."

Clearly, JR Ricciardi believes that baseball is war and that in war the first casualty is the truth. He got Edes to plant that story. Halladay is going out of division, to the Phillies, for Drabek and something like Brown and Donald. Why would the Red Sox get involved and drive the price up so that their divisional rivals get more from the Phillies? Halladay isn't re-signing with the Jays. Rogers Communications are cutting costs. Halladay is getting traded. To the Phillies. Edes and Ricciardi are quite a pair. I guess writers have to, from time to time, do something to get access...

Can we stop with the Marco Scutaro talk? What did he hit last year? Ugh. How about the year before that? Go back to 2005, how's that OBP working out for ya? He's having a good season, but that leopard hasn't changed his spots. He's a career .250 hitter. That's what he is.

"Wow, now which team is trying to buy a championship? Looks like the "evil empire" now resides in Kenmore Square. "

This is really dumb. This is not a free agent signing, this is a trade of home-growns.

Unless Halladay can hit, I don't like it. They could have Christy Mathewson, Cy Young and Sandy Koufax starting for them the rest of the way and still miss the playoffs.....they'll lose an awful lot of 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 games with this offense.

Well Dice K (not my fault) Matsuzaka & John (I'm pitching great, they're just hitting me) Smoltz sure aren't getting the job done, so going for Halladay looks a lot more important than it did even a few weeks ago. Hope Buckholtz has a good start tonight regardless.

Here's a word of warning to all of you who are seeing Doc in red. Don't get emotionally involved in this. You'll get your heart broken. I'm going to say this very slowly so you can understand it:
The MFY CANNOT let the Sox get Halliday. If it looks like a deal is going to get done with Boston the Yanks will swoop in (again) with their entire roster available to thwart the deal.

No way. Someone must be nuts. Bucholz will come back to haunt the Redsox as will Bowden and young Westmoreland. No way I do this for a 32 year old pitcher with lots of innings on that arm. True he is great, but for how much longer??? Not much thought is going into this. Folks are thinking about winning this year and forgetting the future. When Bucholz wins Cy young you will all cry.

This deal never happened. Take the article down.

Luv these Sox fans!!! Why give up anyone? JP would surely be happy trading their franchise player to a team only slightly better than his (though he lost almost his entire starting rotation and closer to injuries at the start of the season) for a bag of balls or unproven minor leaguers. JP will suffer a Minaya type slow-death if he pulls any type of trade of Halladay to the Sox. Now, if he was to trade Vernon Wells to the Sox for Buchholz and Bowden, maybe JP would pull the trigger.

The Real World is a fantasy land if you think the Sox would do this awful deal. Nice try though. PS - Boston is more than "slightly" better than Toronto. Sorry. There's your Real World.

The pupu platter for Halladay - I love it!

"Wow, now which team is trying to buy a championship? Looks like the "evil empire" now resides in Kenmore Square. "

This is really dumb, this is not a free agent signing, it's a trade for home-growns.

From a strictly baseball perspective it's a fair and sensible deal. The Jays are going nowhere with Halliday so they might as well get some real value for him before it's too late. Whether the Jays accept it is all but their management's guess. I know very little about Westmoreland except that his bat is supposed to have excellent potential. If the Sox get Halliday they have the perfect playoff starting staff, easily the best the big leagues have seen in several generations.

YES, YES, YES!!!

Though I am 99.9% sure that this offer WILL NOT be enough to get Roy Halladay, I would absolutely LOVE IT if I am wrong? Seriously, ONLY Buchholz and Bowden? How do you NOT do this trade if J.P. Ricciardi actually says YES? I'd even throw in Jed Lowrie for good measure, ESPECIALLY if it means getting Marco Scutaro as part of the deal.

Buchholz is a lost cause, so who cares about him. He loves the night life and is a head case. I don't know much about Bowden except what everyone else wants me to believe. And Westmoreland?! Seriously? Trade these guys. Halladay is a pure beast and you don't have to hold his hand.

The blue jays won't do that, they want more.

You people so so so overrate Bowden. His closest comparable is the immortal Jeff Suppan.

Westmoreland is so far away you have no idea who will be.

Buchholtz could be very very good...but never Halladay good...and he is less than a year younger than Lester already. He is major league ready talent that the Jays are looking for.

I'd give up these three plus one more prospect not named Bard, Anderson, Tazawa, or Kelly.

The contect sounds good until one realizes that the Sox keep Doc for one an one third seasons! After that he goes to the highest bidder!
Once in free agency, who gets more on the open market? Doc at 34 years old or Beckett?
I dont give up the prospects for an unsigned Doc AND having to pay Beckett morte than Doc (due to age)

I've got a better trade take Matzusaka and Buchholz and send them to Toronto for Halladay pick one of the little league outfielder and call it a deal.

To answer an earlier poster - pitchers I'd slot ahead of Beckett:

1. Tim Lincecum

2. Chris Carpenter

3. Roy Halladay

4. Brandon Webb

5. Zack Greinke

6. Felix Hernandez

7. Jake Peavy

8. Johan Santana

9. Justin Verlander

10. CC Sabathia

11. Cliff Lee

12. Josh Johnson

13. Dan Haren

14. Chad Billingsley

No way! Stats say no pitcher traded to a team on the way to playoffs has ever proved out. We need hitting!

get halladay and give him and beckett nice new big fat contracts. then raise ticket prices to cover them. ill still pay

Give Buchholz, Bowden, and Lowrie, and Westmoreland....receive Halladay and Scutaro? i would take that trade!! why would Toronto want Scutaro traded anyways? he is doing pretty good this year!

Why would the Jays want this trade? They're getting crap in return. Make a real offer for crying out loud.

Ricciardi will hold out for more.

Also, people forget Halladay's age. 32, folks. By pitching standards, no spring chicken. Our hitting is suffering and Halladay can only win you so many games in the remaining time. Say you pull the trigger, get Halladay, then get knocked out in the playoffs. Now you have a 33-yr-old next year whose numbers will surely begin the twilight fade. And Toronto? Young blood, young arms.

Why do you think Ricciardi is so anxious to unload him for blue-chip, 20-something arms?

I hate it. Yes, Halladay is one of the best pitchers in the majors today, but he is 34 years of age. Are all of you willing to sacrifice the next ten years for one chance at a championship now? Have you noticed that the Sox have no offense whatsoever? Beckett, Lester and Halladay better hope they can throw shutouts or one run games every time out to give the Sox a chance. Beckett and Lester are in their prime. Wakefield, Smoltz and Penney are unknowns moving forward. How long do you expect Halladay to last and are you prepared to pay both he and Beckett that kind of money? I'd much rather pursue Adrian Gonzales. It's bad enough that the Celtics are trying to have the first 40+ (average age) team.

Am I the only one who has a red flag going up here here? Somebody reassure me that giving up two of our best pitching prospects is a good idea. We have one of the best futures in baseball, i've always thought clay had it in him. Hello? No hitter

YOU HAVE TO GET THIS DONE WE WILL BE THE BEST TEAM GOING IF WE CAN GET THIS DONE WE WILL HAVE TWO PITCHERS WITH A GOOD CHANCE OF GETTING TEN K'S WATCH OUT YANKES LETAS DO IT THEO

I have some analysis of the Sox prospects and trade opportunities at freepedro.com. There is an analysis of development based on age and some of the contracts that Theo likes to sign.

Make Lowrie part of the trade - he is not the answer at short for the Red Sox.

CATCHING will determine what happens, if anything, next.

Think about it...if Theo is thinking of acquiring a young catcher during the offseason, he needs some good chips to trade. If he has a free agent or three to fill in the gap for a year, then maybe he makes bigger deal.

Gonzales is the man.

Padres and Sox are natural trade partners here.

Numerous packages that would cost, in my opine, less than any
package for Halliday.

The Padres need a LOT of help and the Sox could restock the Friars
with many options that San Diego could choose from. GET THIS DEAL DONE now and turn to the catching problem in the off season.

Gonzales productivity is off because no one pitches to him. He is surrounded by a minor league team. I know...I live in SD.

Bucholtz, Bowden and 2 mid level prospects the Sox feel have no growth in the organization but could be productive on the major league level at some point, could get it done.

You still got Beckett, Lester at the front of your rotation, with Masterson,Ramirez, Bard, Oki, and Pap leading pen AND a perenial 40-125 homerun/rbi hitter in Gonzalez, my goodness...

add lowel so we can keep the best infield goining

Why not wait a little bit longer? If this and the Phils' offer is that similar, Ricciardi's going out of the division...all this does is drive up the price for Halladay and strengthen the Blue Jays' haul.

I can not imagine a better deal than that for the Jays. Honestly, what more can you expect? JP, if he is serious at all about dealing Holliday should do it. Otherwise, he should just leave us all alone. I would hate to part with Westmoreland. I think there are 3 potential perenial all stars here, but you have to give up something to get something.

I would do this deal in a heart beat. The big three of Halladay, Beckett and Lester would make the Red Sox the prohibitive favorites to win the world series for the next 3 years.

There is no pitcher worth this much!! The World Series will only come to the Sox when and if the hitters take the bats off their shoulders and start hitting. Remember you can still lose 1-0 even with good pitching. Halladay only makes sense if the offense starts producing.

Not going to happen. I expect all the pink hats to be whining again within a week.

Geez, settle down people. FIRST, Halladay becomes a free agent after next season. It would be foolish for ANY team to trade some of their best prospects without a signed contract past 2010. SECOND, Toronto does not want him in the AL East, period. THIRD, my guess is JP Ricciardi is trying to up the ante (via the media) to get the Phillies to sweeten the deal.

Sounds good, pull the trigger!

I can't see Toronto wanting to trade Halladay within their division. If the Sox really want him -- and let's face it, Halliday would be their ticket to the postseason, they will need to pony up more than they have already. I hope Theo can get this done, but I won't be holding my breath. Watch for Halliday to land in the N.L. somewhere, like Philly.

That seems more than fair for Halladay, especially considering what Ricciardi & Toronto are looking for in saving money & adding good young pitching to their staff. Sounds to me like they are just trying to include Scutaro in the trade & get a young short stop in order to make this deal happen. I wouldn't mind adding Scutaro for Lowrie as well if it gives us an experienced lead off batter who has certainly given the Red Sox fits throughout the years. This trade does not seriously affect our depth, either, as there are several young pitchers in the Sox Farm system that will be Major League Caliber Pitchers in the next 5 years or so. Pitching & Defense are what wins World Series' but I am still concerned about the Sox Ability to add a good Bat down the stretch should they trade away Buchholz & Bowden for Halladay. at least Scutaro would be a better bat than Lowrie & give Francona some good options with the lineup by having Scutaro leading off.

Not good. GET A BAT PLEASE! Just because we could, doesn't mean we should. We have more pitching than we know what to do with. Just find us a clean up guy to pop out 20 and 50 in the next couple of months (like Manny with LA, minus the roids) and I for one will be a happy man.

There's no way that the Jays accept this offer. It's too little for the best pitcher in baseball.

I think the story is wishful thinking by some phoney writers, but yes, Halliday is the only player I would consider in a trade for Buchholz and Bowden. And I say that with reservations. Why? SOX are giving up 2 POTENTIAL 20-game winners to get ONE Legit top of rotation starter. Even if he has a great season... he may win 20-games while next year SOX probably will be without Dice-K, without Penny and probably without Wakefield. That means the SOX will need at least 1, maybe two more quality starters in their rotation. Beckett, Halliday, Lester is great but then what?!!!

Clay Who?
DO IT!!!

Giving up Buccholz and Bowden aren't that bad of a loss, even if they turn out to be good Big-Leaguers: after next season is over, the Sox can choose not to resign Halladay and thus gain two first round draft picks. They'll also have enough $ to sign a good free agent. It's a win-win situation.

Sorry, D.A. Scutaro is not this generation's Nomar.
The price is NOT right.

Am I the only sane person here? You people want to trade a top left-handed pitching prospect who has already thrown a no-hitter, a solid SP, and a top outfield prospect to get 3 months of Halladay???

Even if they get him and win the WS, we are seriously depleting our elite minor league pitching for years to come. What if he gets injured? We're so seriously screwed.

Two New York sites have just confirmed the Yankees and Blue Jays have struck a deal with Roy Halladay going to the Yankees, and Joba with three minor leaguers headed to Toronto. From A Rod, to Teixeira, you are second again, Boston.

I think if you add J.D Drew and dice k,but take away bowden to this trade and i think we could get roy.

if we get roy it has WORLD SERIES CHAMPS writen all over it BUT i want to see some more hitting

Enough is enough Theo.Get the deal done before the Yankees beat you to another one.

And this story comes from the same guy who broke the news that Theo Epstein was married at Nathan's hot dog stand at Coney Island, no?

He's clearly got his finger on the pulse.

Gordon Edes your next stop will be the at the National Enquirer.

JP what ever his name is would be stupid to not do this deal.

Am I the only sane person here? You people want to trade a top left-handed pitching prospect who has already thrown a no-hitter, a solid SP, and a top outfield prospect to get 3 months of Halladay???

the only lefty that threw a no hitter was lester. unless buchholz changed pitching hands in the last week

now i just read this:
Rob Bradford at WEEI is reporting that the Red Sox are close to a deal that would net Cliff Lee from the Indians for Michael Bowden, Josh Reddick and another prospect. Stay tuned.

For Mike G: Bucholz isn't a lefty and Halladay is already signed through next season so he wouldn't be a "3 month rental" ....so if anyone is sane here its definitely not you.

For Pin Stripes: What has ARod won for your Yankees plus its been almost a half hour since your post and there has been absolutely no reports of that trade happening. Halladay is most likely getting traded out of the division.

Plus for everyone else this trade couldn't have happened because Westmoreland can't be traded till August 15, since in baseball you can't trade a draft pick until a year after he signed.

For the idiots who are claiming this is a 3-month rental, Halladay is under contract in 2010 too....meaning a great chance at 2 WS titles before he's a free agent. You must do that deal if it was really in the works.

And last I checked, Buchholz is not left-handed

Get it done Theo don't go 2006 on us we expect championships in Boston and Halladay will bring us one whether we win the division or go in as the wild card Theo the Nation expects a championship get it done or this will be 2006 all over again

To answer an earlier poster - pitchers I'd slot ahead of Beckett:
1. Tim Lincecum
3. Roy Halladay
8. Johan Santana
13. Dan Haren

There's your list. To the nimrod who posted this, you are clueless. Those are, without argument, basically the only 4 pitchers in the game that MIGHT be better than Beckett. Chad Billingsley? What are you smoking?

COME ON YANKS.. GET HALLADAY AND U HAVE DA 2009 AND 2010 WORLD SERIES LOCKED UP... CC, AJ, ROY... dats a hell of a 3 man rotation for da playoffs

Sad to see how Yankees money does this to teams, most small market teams, cities and their fans have no hope competing anymore. looks like an arms race ..Lets get American and have Salary Limits so Everyone can enjoy the sport, fair play and competition again.

Very George Orwell. Same blog entry, different header, different story. Excellent work. Lotsa truthiness.

this just in...

clay bucholz to the jays
halladay starts for the sox tonight.

If only they hadn't traded Lugo to the Cards they could have included him! Lugo alone could have gotten us Halladay. I know this because my sister's friend's cousin's aunt is a Toronto season ticket holder.

Mike G...you're not real...right? You have two 'facts' wrong. Clay is not a LHP, and Halladay still has another year, PLUS those three months that you speak of, remaining on his contract. And as for the bottom line, you're saying you wouldn't make that trade EVEN if we win the WS? Again...it begs my initial question...you can't possibly be real...right?

Hey Don! You have to field your position!

Trade Dice-K, Saito and Okajima for Homer Wells. Need a bat.

This is a false rumor. It was put out by Gordon Edes at Yahoo! Sports. Man, Yahoo! (who also dished out plenty of poop during spygate) just publishes anything to get attention. I think they have a lot of Patriot haters on their staff judging by the general attitude during spygate. Consider the source, especially Yahoo!

Halladay is awesome, but he's pitched over 200 innings so many times already in his career, could his days be numbered? I say get Adrian Gonzalez!

omg, thank God they arent stupid enough to trade away the farm for ANYONE, cmon people he's a pitcher, his impact is only every five days, its not like he's Victor Martinez or anything...

Trading Westmoreland would be a major mistake - and I'm a Yankee fan. Of course, you could trade him to the Yankees - that would make me happy.

No, no, no, and no some more. Sox don't need Halladay. We already have a front-line starter in Josh Beckett. What's this going to do to his ego? Our pitching is good enough as stands. Besides, Bucholz is a future ace and Bowden a future mid-to-late starter. We'll need those spots filled when the time comes. Gotta think long-term here!!!Westmoreland sounds like a catch too. Five-tool outfielder who could step in should the Sox have problems with Ellsbury's agent, Boras, down the road. He's been compared to Grady Sizemore, people!!! Sox are right to stock up on pitching, and should continue doing so until they're blue in the face!!!

Like 2004 the SS position is killing us. Lowrie and Greene are not major league shortstops. Oakland is in town..............Get OCab back. They never should have let him go after 04.

The Sox haven't made this offer?? What are they waiting for? I don't think Clay is going to ever be as good as Halladay. Go for the pennant THIS year.

Please do this Theo, Oh my god will you please do what is necessary to get this done?!?!? Please.....????

Yeah, he's a also pitcher who is an absolute freakin horse and would make life a lot easier for every other Sox starter. Do you expect a Buckholz or Bowden to have a Halladay-type career? I'm not sold on either of them. Make the deal, then worry later about re-signing him after next season.

Yeah, he's a also pitcher who is an absolute freakin horse and would make life a lot easier for every other Sox starter. Do you expect a Buckholz or Bowden to have a Halladay-type career? I'm not sold on either of them. Make the deal, then worry later about re-signing him after next season.

My blockbuster trade of this millennium: Acquire Ryan Braun from the Brewers. Here me out.

The Brewers rank 22nd in baseball in runs allowed (13th in the NL) and 25th in ERA (14th in the NL). They clearly need pitching help. On the contrast, they rank 12th in baseball in runs scored (4th in the NL). They are clearly scoring runs.

Offer them J.D. Drew (we will pay his salary for this year and next), Lars Anderson, Michael Bowden, Hideki Okajima, and Takashi Saito as well. [An aside: J.D. Drew has a no-trade clause, but I would tell him if he doesn’t accept a trade he will not play another game in a Sox uniform this year or next and to have fun trying to get another contract in 2011 when he hasn’t played a single inning in 1 and a half years. If he accepts the trade he will still be getting his entire salary with a chance of redeeming himself on offense for a better contract in 2011].

J.D. Drew will replace Braun in the outfield and we will pay his salary for this year and next (hard for the Brewers to not want that since it’s at zero cost). If Drew turns it around this year or next, they benefit from the offense there. If he doesn’t improve, they aren’t paying him a dime and can dump him whenever. Lars Anderson will replace Prince Fielder at 1B in the future (Fielder is owed $10.5 million next year and the Brewers have tried to trade him this past offseason to free up salary space). Hideki Okajima, and Takashi Saito can help them this year in the bullpen, and Michael Bowden can be a starter for them in the future, also adding help for their pitching.

This will accomplish several things. One, the Sox will get one of the best young players and hitters in the game (Braun is only 25 years old and isn’t owed much money until 2013 when he is owed $8.5 million). You will also be getting rid of J.D. Drew (who is batting in the .230s and replacing him with Braun who is hitting over .300 for his career). You will also be giving the Brewers much needed pitching help who can help them this year and in the future. You will also be replacing their outfielder by giving them Drew, and taking the hit on his contract. On top of this, you will be giving them Lars Anderson, who will help them in the future at 1B and provide them power numbers. Neither of any of these guys will cost them money for the foreseeable future. They can also then trade Prince Fielder next year if they like and save the $10.5 million of his salary for someone that would help them next year, or keep him and wait till he becomes a free agent and then bring Anderson up to the majors.

Either way you are giving the Brewers much needed help in every aspect that they need. Meanwhile, we would not be giving up anyone that will help us this year or in the next few years. We still keep Buchholz, we don’t need Lars Anderson when we have Youk at 1B for the future, we don’t need Bowden and Okajima or Saito to help us this year or in the future either. We have Daniel Bard in the ‘pen for our future, as well as we can use Masterson in the bullpen as well. Manny Delcarmen is also young and not paid much and we have him for the future as well. We still have Junichi Tazawa who is highly regarded as a prospect who can help our future bullpen as well.

We get rid of nothing we need now or in the future that we can’t easily replace, and we fill a major hole – a hitting outfielder. If we can’t resign Jason Bay next year – then we have Braun to take most of that blow. If the Brewers would also want Masterson instead of our bullpen guys, then I would do that too. Either way, the Sox get offense for their future and that is what they need.

If this doesn’t work, Carl Crawford has been rumored to be on the trading block because they Rays are looking to acquire Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee from the Indians. They may also trade Kazmir and Pena to free up salary. I would basically try to flip this around and trade just about everything I would to the Brewers and give it to the Rays. You get a 27-year old Crawford who is a .295 career hitter and stolen base machine. Imagine having him and Ellsbury patrolling the outfield, BOTH stealing 75+ bases a season? Incredible.

Wow, I am amazed how ignorant and stupid a few of my fellow Red Sox fans are. Please make sure you do some research and get your facts correct before you make a total ass of yourselves. I.E. Adam Z, and Steve etc

Would be a nice trade. At the present the Sox are not playing well, heck the Florida Marlins with a team payroll equal to Nancy Drews yearly salary and at most 10,000 fans are playing better baseball than the Sox. Trade the whole team and payroll for the Marlins.

You have to give up talent to get talent. Bucholtz, Masterson, Westmoreland and Lowrie for Halladay and Scutaro helps the Jays dump salary and takes care of the Sox pitching and leadoff problems. The staff looked amazing in Spring Training but Theo has to realize that Dice-K, Smoltz and Penny are not producing. Bard replaces Masterson and Scutaro buys the Sox a couple years to find a long-term shortstop. Theo has to make this trade, and I'd even throw in Bowden with the young japanese pitcher moving up from the minors. This is a deal that helps the Sox for at least 2-3 years. DO IT.

Buchholz is a fraud. Francona left him in again for another 100+ outing where he couldn't get through 6 full innings. What's his career record as a pro, 3-10? A pro career WHIP of around 1.80? Pro career ERA of over 5? Three outings against mediocre teams this year and couldn't get 6 under his belt, while averaging 100 pitches a game. Buchholz' only pro game where he made it over 7 innings was April 2008? No wonder Theo wants to unload Buchholz. Buchholz is actually Brad Penny, Jr. What a stiff. Keep putting that Mercedes hood ornament on your Yugo, Theo, maybe somebody will bite.

Put up or shut up time for the sox. The yankees have just hit the nitrous button.

Sort of like that movie Few Good Men. Cruise is a slacker who is hand chosen because everybody thinks he will plea bargain instead of going for it. Eventually, he gets challenged and steps up. Takes down Nicholson while facing court martial if he fails. John Henry needs to stop playing it cozy. Time to push the chips in the middle of the table and take down the hand.

No need to add more pitching. Lineup is missing a big bat like Manny Ramirez.

Won't change a thing. Red Flops will continue to underperform for the balance of the season. Won't make the playoffs and will be sitting with a useless C,RF,DH and 3B.

Whatever they do, I hope they don't acquire Martinez. As decent as he is this year, he was horrible last year. Who knows which one will show up. I am not sold on this guy, but it is strictly gut with no data to back up.

I hope they push it real good for Gonzalez.

JP would be an idiot not to take that deal. The Sox would be giving up alot of young talent but I like Halladay. Make the deal JP and Theo!

You don't trade multiple pitching prospects for old pitching.

If you need to improve yiu club by trading young pitching you either get a more established young pitcher or bat.

145. And that's why girls should never comment on sports Paula. You'd rather have Bucholz than Halladay? Way to rebuke those pink hat allegations.

Go get em Theo!

**Not all girls are as clueless as that one thank you very much! I would never put on a pink hat and I think Clay Bucholz is overrated even after being at his no-hitter...Halladay all the way Theo!!

Smiling from ear to ear at the desperation of Sox fans as they age and disintegrate. Great game last night! Paplebomb is a nothing lately. Perhaps he should watch Mo to see how it's done.

Smiling from ear to ear at the desperation of Sox fans as they age and disintegrate. Great game last night! Paplebomb is a nothing lately. Perhaps he should watch Mo to see how it's done.

Get Gonzalez. Platoon him at 1B and DH, allowing Youk to move to 3rd to give Lowell a day off and provide some pop from the DH spot. Lowell, Ortiz, or LaRoche can pinch hit for the SS AND C positions during pivotal ABs. Then be replaced defensively by Greene/Lowrie and Varitek/Kottaras. Stop letting bats rot on the bench for weak hitting catchers and SS that can just be replaced defensively since we have backups in both of the weakest parts of the order.

add Drew and rice K to the mix

I pointed out numerous times in the beginning of the season that far too much money was thrown at broken down pitchers (Penny, Smoltz, Wakefiled) and that the strategy was really flawed. Imagine where we would be in the standings if money had been invested in Texeira and Sabathia. Instead we have two on the DL, 2 ineffective, and a new second rate 1st baseman.

enough with halladay, he would be awesome to have but offense is this teams top priority and i feel that they should go for adam dunn not adrian gonzalez or victor martinez because where would they fit, but adam plays outfield and with the sudden lack of power in the redsoxs outfield he would be a tremendous upgrade and probably cheaper then most would think

I just red on MLB rumers that the sox are pursuing Jack Wilson SS from the pirates
is that for marco scutaro to be sent to the Pirates, and we get Halliday. wow that sounds really good

2009 world series champs 2010 world series champs

go sox GO THEO

Trade Jon Lester. He'll never amount to anything.

Whoops, thought this was the Lester/Santana trade rumor. My bad.

It'd be great to have him.. but how can people say Buchholz, Bowden and Westmoreland wouldn't be enough? I haven't learned a ton about him yet but I know he's considered one of their top prospects, Halladay is what? 32? 5 years or so before he starts going down a bit, this would be overpaying for him, but this team was a world series team last year but injuries took them down, if they can get him, awesome, but Theo isn't stupid, he won't mortgage the farm system, that's what he's built this awesome team on, that's what he'll continue to do, I'd much rather get Hanley Ramirez, I'd give Clay, Bowden, Lowrie and another mid level for him, but for Halladay? 32? It's too much, they still have Beckett and ddLester, Buch

I want Halladay. When I think of him, Beckett, and Lester, you tell me who is 1, 2, and 3, because anytime they would go out you have potentially and ace out there.

To Theo, give up anyone you want just not Bard, with the talent we have picking prospects we can replace anything we trade. Halladay is proven where as these prospects are not. In Theo I trust

I know I'm in the minority here, but.....Halladay is only signed through next season and has made it clear he will be going free-agency, which is why Toronto is marketing him. I just don't see giving up talented young prospects for an older
pitcher who has already said he'll be gone.....

Headline on boston.com website: "Latest rumor: Red Sox in on Halliday?" but link has no rumor and no source---only speculation by reporters and denials by Sox and Jays. Thus, lying and manipulation are journalism standard here

Dice-K + prospect for Halladay straight up. Everyone's happy.

Listen nation, do not question the boy wonder Theo Cosby. WE WILL LAND ROY!!!!!!!!! GET UP PINK HATS, UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We will all be watching a DVDA of the Sox 2009 World Series win.

Pull the trigger.

bobby @ #259: I think you forgot to mention that CC and Tex would've cost over $40M a year from now until eternity, while our "broken down pitchers" are on the books for less than $20M (at his current rate, Smoltz won't earn most of his bonus) w/ no future commitments. This is why there was a recent report that we're well under budget and could be big players at the deadline. This allows us to eat Lugo's contract and make a play for Halladay, Lee, etc.

Don't forget that Wake saved our arses big-time early in the season, Penny probably has almost as many quality starts as Beckett and Lester, and Smoltz still might win some big games for us!

Enough About Scutaro . He's Having A Career Year And He's In His MID 30's . Please ! We Don't Need A Temp Shortstop ! We Have Enough Pitching . Patience With Youth Is A Much Better Solution . Get The Bat And Wait On Our Own Pitching Prospects !

Git 'er done

Tazawa should be made part of the deal with lester and buc for Doc, and maybe throw in Lars Andersen! Make it happen Theo, get creative don't be outbid like we were with Texeira! the WS championship is calling us, and Doc will be an impact player for the next two years minimum!!!!! MDB Colonie, New York