Olney: Halladay Deal Must Happen Before Spring Training

From Buster Olney:

Roy Halladay, the All-Star pitcher who has been the subject of much trade talk since before the July deadline, will not approve any proposed deal after he reports to spring training, according to his representatives.

This means that the Blue Jays will either have to work out a trade of Halladay by the end of the off-season, or be prepared to receive only draft-pick compensation when the pitcher becomes eligible for free agency in the fall of 2010.

...

"[But] one thing is certain -- once Roy reports to spring training as a member of the Blue Jays, from that point forward he will not approve or even discuss any potential trade scenario," Berry continued. "This will eliminate a repeat of the distracting media frenzy of 2009 for both Roy and his teammates, and will allow Roy to focus on pitching at the exceptional level Jays fans have come to expect."

This is really Johan Santana part two.... Anyway, this news doesn't really change anything, most people believe the Jays will get a deal done with someone by the beginning of spring training.