Texas Bows Out of Halladay Race

July 31, 2009   ·   Paul Raymond   ·   Jump to comments

To no surprise it looks like the Texas Rangers will not be trading for Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay. We all pretty much assumed this last night after Jon Heyman’s tweet that the Rangers were close but talks fell apart. Well now Ken Rosenthal is reporting the same thing but gives us the details why the deal didn’t happen.

The deal that was reportedly close called for the Rangers to get Roy, with the Blue Jays getting Derek Holland, 1B Justin Smoak and two other top prospects.

Apparently the talks are completely nonexistent now and its because of Toronto’s insistence that left handed pitcher Derek Holland be included in the deal. Can’t blame the Rangers one bit for not including him the 23-year old has shown that he has the talent to succeed at the major league level, even with his poor stats. He’s pitched a few gems this year.

Money was also an issue as he’s owed $4.75 million this season AND his 2010 salary. I don’t think that was as big an issue as it seemed thou. The Rangers were in the middle of the Wild Card race and have a legitimate chance at making the playoffs, a place they haven’t been since 1999.

I really believe ownership would of approved adding the salary, Halladay could easily make up the 1.5 game difference between them and the Red Sox himself. And if he couldn’t and the team misses the playoffs? They could of traded him themselves this winter to avoid paying him that salary.

Regardless a deal is pretty much dead now and its because of Holland. For the future of this team it might be smart.

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