He goes on to discuss how the Jays interest in Boston prospect Casey Kelly, and Boston's reluctance to deal him, will likely keep the talks between Boston and Toronto going for some time.
He also explains why Toronto has no need to rush into things:
The Jays, on the other hand, need not accept an inferior package for Halladay. They can keep him next season, offer him salary arbitration after he becomes a free agent and receive two high picks in return. Halladay's trade value is at least the talent equivalent of the two high picks.And also hints at Boston's reasons for trying to push for a quick deal:
The Red Sox would be wise to push hard for a rapid resolution on Halladay at a time when the Yankees have yet to set their budget for next season. Santana, though, was not traded until Feb. 2 in the 2007-08 offseason. The Twins' Bill Smith was a new G.M., just like the Jays' Alex Anthopoulos is now.That makes sense, hopefully Anthopoulos is smart and waits until the Yankees get into the bidding. At the very least it will drive up the price for the Red Sox.
Rosenthal concludes by stating that while Toronto is motivated to move Halladay that these "will be complex, tricky, multi-layered negotiations." And it would be "an upset" if they ended quickly. I agree.
