Who, including the Red Sox wouldn't want to have Roy Halladay in their rotation? For a variety of reasons, I don't think you'll see Halladay wearing a Red Sox uniform this year or in the immediate future.
First and foremost, the Red Sox don't need Halladay as desperately as most other teams do. The Sox rotation is solid and talented arms are backed up in the organization. While the Red Sox have the talent to trade the three or four prospects the Blue Jays are looking for, it just doesn't make sense for the Red Sox to put a big dent in their farm system for a pitcher -- however much of a stud he is -- at a position where the club is already well stocked.
Secondly, I don't think the Blue Jays really want to trade their ace to a team in the same division so he can come back and beat them four or five times a year. Frankly, I don't think the Jays really want to trade Halladay at all. But it doesn't hurt to listen to what other teams might offer, and, hey, GM J.P. Ricciardi just might get overwhelmed. I just don't see that kind of offer coming from the Red Sox, nor do I think the Yankees have enough of what the Jays are seeking.
The team that could use Halladay the most and has a glut of prospects to trade is the Rangers. Pitching is the Rangers' Achilles Heel, and adding an elite ace like Halladay could very well make the difference in their bid to outlast the Angels in the AL West. The Rangers, according to Baseball America, have the best farm system among the 30 major-league clubs.
Even if the Rangers are willing to give up hot prospect Justin Smoak, one of their catchers, and one or two other prospects, can they afford Halladay financially? Tom Hicks, their owner, is having financial difficulties and may be putting the club up for sale.
When it all shakes out, I think Halladay will still be wearing a Blue Jays uniform.