Trading for Halladay a must for Phils

There is one way the Phillies can claim their honor back as world champs.

His name is Roy Halladay.

Imagine facing a starting rotation in the playoffs that consists of 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels as the number three guy. Oh yeah, the Phillies would have two other aces in front of him in Halladay and Cliff Lee, who they traded for at the trade deadline last season.

Nothing is guaranteed but that is about as close as you can get.

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro has refused to talk about any deal involving Halladay, but why would he? Many reports have the Phillies and Angels as favorites to land the Blue Jays ace.

The Phillies need to make this happen.

Without Halladay, the Phillies would likely have a chance to repeat for the third straight year as NL champs. But I'm not so certain they could beat the Yankees in a World Series. The Yanks were clearly the better team last season, and they have already improved their team, adding outfielder Curtis Granderson.

Halladay would not only change the landscape of the National League, but also the whole league.

Already considered powerhouses in the NL, the Phillies would become immediate favorites to win the World Series.

Only a couple of years remain with the Phillies current homegrown nucleus in tact. The window is wide open to bring another championship to Philadelphia.

I understand the need to retain prospects and think long term. I'm not suggesting the Phillies trade away the whole farm. Luckily for them, the asking price will have to come down from last year, as Halladay will only affect one playoff run instead of two.

A package that consists of JA Happ, Michael Tayor or Domonic Brown, and another prospect or two would hopefully get a deal done. The big sticking point may be that the Jays are asking for stud pitching prospect Kyle Drabek, who the Phillies are unlikely to give up.

Then there is the question of money. The Phillies payroll is already going to be pushing $140 million. The Phils would have to shed payroll.

Amaro has been tight on money with his off season additions so far. Reports are saying that Joe Blanton and his $7 million are on the trading block. Good, get rid of him.

If the Phils were to lose Happ and Blanton in a trade, they would likely need to add another arm to the bottom of the rotation. They have been talking to veteran John Smoltz. He would be a perfect fit for the back end.

So, you want another parade down Broad Street? Here's how you can almost guarantee that - trade for Halladay.

Lee, Hamels, Happ, Blanton, and Jamie Moyer/Kyle Kendrick or Halladay, Lee, Hamels, etc.

Which would you prefer?

That is what I thought.