Lee to Philadelphia. What does this mean for Halladay?

A few quick thoughts on the Phillies' acquisition of Indians ace Cliff Lee:

---Lee, the reigning AL Cy Young champ, is a stellar pitcher who has flown under the radar in Cleveland. Lee pretty much makes the Phillies the inevitable NL East winners, and strengthens the defending champions' chances at repeating.

---However, what makes this trade so fascinating is how it will affect Roy Halladay's future. Halladay, long rumored to be headed to Philadelphia, now may not be traded at all. G.M. J.P. Ricciardi announced today that a Roy Halladay trade is unlikely. Halladay, who takes the mound for the Blue Jays today against slumping Seattle, has to be disappointed.

---The Jays ace has been saying all the right things in recent weeks, talking about how he loves Toronto and how he would be content to stay put. But it is evident that Halladay has a burning desire to play on a contender, and Toronto is years away from playing contending baseball in the highly competitive AL East.

---Halladay could still be traded before Friday's trade deadline, but if he does indeed stay in Toronto, he won't be hoisting a World Series trophy anytime soon.