Two sources tell ESPN’s Jayson Stark that a deal that would send Roy Halladay to the Phillies, Cliff Lee to the Mariners and prospects to the Blue Jay is “close,” but “not done.”¬† Reports also indicate that Halladay is close to signing a three-year, $60 million contract that would keep him in Philly until 2013 with a vesting option for another year or two.¬† He would still be getting his $15.75 million for this year.¬†
A source tells Stark that the Blue Jays would get highly regarded pitching prospect Phillippe Aumont from the Mariners, catching prospect Travis d’Arnaud from the Phillies, and either Dom Brown or Michael Taylor.¬† Rotoworld is saying that it’s Michael Taylor, the five-tooler outfielder.
And Seattle, of course, would be getting Phillies fan-favorite Cliff Lee.¬† It would have been great to be able to keep Lee, but while the Phillies have more money than most teams, the payroll would just be getting out of control around here.¬† Lee had a $9 million salary for this year, but SI.com’s Jon Heyman said that Lee told the Phillies that they would get “no discount” when it came to re-signing him.¬† Lee clearly wants to test the free agent waters after this year and will command a hefty salary.¬†
This deal isn’t expected to be completed until Tuesday or Wednesday, so we’ll know more details then.¬† Stay tuned.
