What is Phillies deadline for Halladay?

The Phillies must add a starting pitcher before Friday's trade deadline, which brings up the question, what if things don't work out with the Toronto Blue Jays to get Roy Halladay?

At what point do the Phillies need to give up on landing Halladay and pursue other avenues?

It's possible the Jays will want to take the Halladay sweepstakes right up to the deadline, trying their best to maximize what they get in return for Halladay. Should the Phillies also go that long, with the possibility of risking someone else landing the prized pitcher or Toronto not trading him? If they do and things don't work out, the Phillies could be left with nothing.

It has been reported the Phillies look at Cleveland's Cliff Lee as plan B. The problem is, Lee is plan A for some other teams and may be traded prior to Friday. The Phillies may never get a chance to move to plan B should plan A (Halladay) not work out.

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro is walking a fine line. He is holding out, waiting until Toronto's demands come down. At the same time, Toronto is holding out waiting for someone to make the move on their terms.

It's possible Amaro could wait to long and be left with nothing.

Timing is going to be everything in this deal. When do you stand pat? When do you budge?

That part is up in the air.

What is certain is that the Phillies need to add a pitcher, whether it be Halladay or Lee.