The name of Toronto starter Roy Halladay is now supposedly in play. Of course, his name is never really used in hypothetical conversations with reporters. The questions all pretty much contain euphemisms - "top-line starting pitcher" and such. But if the Blue Jays are serious about entertaining offers, it goes without saying that the Phillies need to make one at the proper time.
(Attention e-mailers: Rodrigo Lopez for Halladay was never going to get it done, even before Lopez grabbed his shoulder after five innings last night against the Reds.)
Manuel wants to win now and says he is willing to trade pretty much everybody in the farm system except Kyle Drabek to do it. Amaro wants to build an operation that consistently makes it to the postseason and says he is unwilling to gut his farm system for any one player, that there are at least a couple of unnamed untouchables in the minor leagues.
(Attention e-mailers: If the Blue Jays are seeking a sampling of the Phillies' best young pitching in the deal, and the Phillies aren't willing to include Drabek, the conversation is likely over. Of course, that assumes complete truth-telling on everybody's part, a big assumption.)
Anyway, Manuel and Amaro, about 15 minutes apart, sat in the same spot in the Phillies' dugout before last night's 3-2 win over the Reds and offered these opposing perspectives.
Some hear a serious division.
Others just hear baseball, old as time.
