Paul Hagen: Polanco's return gives Phillies options

Now that Toronto righthander Roy Halladay has decided to force the issue by telling new general manager Alex Anthopoulos that he won't waive his no-trade clause during the season, he figures to be the hottest commodity of the week.

With virtually no chance of keeping him after he becomes a free agent at the end of the 2010 season, this is a power play that assures he will be in a new uniform by Opening Day.

And what teams would he agree to go to? The Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Dodgers and Phillies are the teams most often mentioned.

Toronto is believed to be looking for a catcher, corner outfielder, leadoff hitter and middle-of-the-rotation starter.

"Each potential trade situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with the critical factor being the legitimate opportunity for Roy to win multiple World Series championships," agent Jeff Barry told the Toronto Star.

THE PHILADELPHIA STORY:

The Phillies appear to be a longshot in the Roy Halladay sweepstakes, but can't be written off entirely. If the asking price in terms of prospects drops - a distinct possibility given the limited number of teams he's believed to be willing to go to - management has been known to grant budgetary exemptions for special players. Example: Jim Thome.

Working in the Phillies' favor is the fact that they've been to the World Series the last 2 years and train near Halladay's offseason home in Oldsmar, Fla.

The hint that he would want to sign an extension before agreeing to a trade, however, seems to point to the Yankees or Red Sox.

HALL OF FAME:

The Veterans Committee will consider bygone players, executives, managers and umpires for induction, with two managers with local ties among the finalists.

Delaware County native Danny Murtaugh, who won two world championships with the Pirates, and Gene Mauch, who won 1,331 games with the Phillies from 1960 through 1968, are among the 10 finalists. Former Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog is generally considered most likely to receive the 75 percent of the votes needed for induction.

ETC.:

With 11 arbitration eligible players, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Marlins shop second baseman Dan Uggla, even though Florida finished second in the NL East with 87 wins last season.

There have been reports that the Tampa Bay Rays are talking about a deal that would send former Phillie Pat Burrell to the Cubs for disgruntled outfielder Milton Bradley.

The Padres, believed to be looking to cut payroll and in need of help at multiple positions, will reportedly consider trading first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. The Red Sox appear to have the inside track.