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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Halladay-to-Phillies deal could be finalized today


Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Roy Halladay

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The blockbuster trade sending Roy Halladay to Philadelphia and Cliff Lee to Seattle could be completed today, and it's become a four-team swap that involves Toronto shipping a prospect to Oakland.

The Blue Jays would send Halladay and $6 million to the Phillies for three minor leaguers: catcher Travis d'Arnaud, right-hander Kyle Drabek and outfielder Michael Taylor.

Philadelphia would also deal Lee to the Mariners for a trio of prospects: right-hander Phillippe Aumont, outfielder Tyson Gillies and right-hander Juan Ramirez.

Toronto would then trade Taylor to the Athletics for third baseman Brett Wallace, obtained by Oakland last July from St. Louis in the deal for outfielder Matt Holliday.

Halladay would receive a $60 million, three-year contract extension through 2013 with the Phillies, a deal that would include a 2014 option.

Details of the nine players involved in the swap of Cy Young Award winners, first reported by ESPN.com and www.prospectinsider.com, were confirmed by several baseball officials familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade was not yet final. Teams were still reviewing medical records and going through the final details.

New Toronto general manager Alex Anthopoulos moved quickly to deal Halladay, who will make $15.75 million next year and had been eligible for free agency after the season. The deal fell into place at about the same time Boston — which also had been interested — reached a preliminary agreement with free-agent pitcher John Lackey on a five-year contract worth $80 million to $87.5 million.

Lee also is eligible for free agency after next season, when he will make $9 million. He is not getting an extension as part of the trade.

TRADE

DODGERS DEAL PIERRE TO WHITE SOX

The Chicago White Sox got the leadoff man and left fielder they needed. Juan Pierre got the chance to be an everyday player again.

The White Sox acquired Pierre and $10.5 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers yesterday for two players to be named.

"They already have a good team in place," Pierre said on a conference call. "They've been accustomed to winning over the last four or five years. I'm looking forward to getting out there on the field on a regular basis."

The 32-year-old Pierre hit .308 with 30 stolen bases, 57 runs and a .365 on-base percentage in 145 games with the Dodgers last year, getting steady playing time when Manny Ramirez was suspended 50 games for violating baseball's drug policy.

Once Ramirez returned, Pierre became a reserve again.

Los Angeles is sending Chicago $7 million in 2010 and $3.5 million in 2011 to cover the majority of what remains on Pierre's $44 million, five-year contract. He is due $10 million next season and $8.5 million in 2011.

Pierre gives the White Sox a speedy left fielder and leadoff hitter. Scott Podsednik, who filled the leadoff role much of last season, is a free agent.

ELSEWHERE

Mets: A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that the New York Mets are close to completing a two-year contract with Japanese reliever Ryota Igarashi.

Igarashi, a 30-year-old right-hander, throws 93-94 mph with a splitter, the person said. New York needs setup help in the bullpen for All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez.

Igarashi pitched for the Yakult Swallows in the Japanese Central League.

Mariners: Seattle introduced new infielder and offensive catalyst Chone Figgins at a news conference yesterday.

The speedy Figgins agreed to a $36 million, four-year contract with Seattle, leaving AL West rival Los Angeles as a free agent.

Figgins, 31, is coming off one of his best seasons, leading the American League with 101 walks and posting a career-high on-base percentage of .395.