Quote:
Originally Posted by shadows
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Signing Halladay sounds

, but losing Cliff Lee to the Mariners as part of the deal would be a shock

.
It is believed the Phillies are trading Lee for a few reasons (from MLB.com):
* They do not believe they can sign Lee to an extension before he becomes a free agent after the 2010 season.
* Lee makes $9M next season, the Phillies need payroll relief to afford Halladay's $15.75M salary (but it's reported Toronto will pay $6M of it).
* But it is believed the reason the Phillies are shipping Lee instead of right-hander Joe Blanton, who will make around $7M or more next season, is that Lee brings a greater haul of prospects in return.
Blue Jay's fans can't be impressed with the idea of paying $6M of Halladay's salary after he's left.