Done Deal

So the deal is done. Doc Halladay is off to Philadelphia.

It had to happen. As soon as Halladay indicated that he was not interested in re-signing with the Jays, this trade had to happen. You don’t let the best pitcher in baseball just walk away when you have no chance of making the postseason whether you keep him or not.

I’m glad to see he’s going to the Phillies rather than a division rival, as it was originally feared. The Phillies have a great team that will undoubtedly challenge for a World Series or two over the next four seasons Doc will be with the team. Good for him. Part of me will be behind the Phillies for the next four years.

This is yet another reminder of the reality of playing in the American League East division. Over the course of Doc’s career with the Jays, they have put together teams that probably could have made the postseason if they didn’t play in a division with the Yankees and Red Sox. Instead, numerous third place finishes are all the Jays have to show for it. And that’s the sole reason this deal had to be made. The Jays will never be able to compete in this division, barring a miraculous Tampa Bay Ray-esque season, one I do not foresee for a long time.

In Other News ...

Team Canada made the final cuts to the World junior team. I was fairly surprised to see both Olivier Roy and Matt Hackett didn’t make that team. I don’t really follow junior hockey as much as I used to, but by all accounts I figured those two would be fighting for the backup job since it was all but assured that Jake Allen of the Montreal Juniors would be the number one guy in goal. I guess I was wrong as it’ll be the Calgary Hitmen’s Martin Jones as the backup goalie. No matter, goaltending hasn’t been an issue for Canada at this tournament for a long time.

For as long as I can remember, I haven’t missed this tournament. Ever. I have watched at least part of the World Junior Championship every single year, and most years I haven’t missed any of Canada’s games. It’s some of the best hockey you will see all year.

I especially remember the 2005 tournament in Grand Forks, North Dakota, when Canada won gold with what I argue was their best team ever in the World Junior Tournament. This team isn’t shaping up to be quite as good as that entry, but I still can’t wait to see Canada go for a sixth straight gold medal. Good luck boys.

-matt