Regardless of whether he ends up in Boston -- and don't hold your breath -- Halladay is the kind of talent that could have an enormous impact on the playoff races. If any other American League club lands him -- particularly if it's the Yankees, Angels, or Rays -- it could be enough to shift the balance of power in the league. And Halladay only may participate in 16-18 games. Long-term, too, do not underestimate the impact of a Halladay deal -- on multiple fronts. First, the team that acquires him (and signs him?) could be a factor for years to come. Second, if Toronto gets the kind of talent in return that general manager J.P. Ricciardi is shooting for, Toronto could be on the same path taken by the Rays and become a greater factor in the AL East.