Halladay road? Sluggish ticket sales cause a changing trade dynamic

It's going to be an interesting season for the deadline trades, possibly because there might not be very many.

Unless a team is certain to need an extra part to make a playoff push, they're not going to pull the trigger. It wouldn't surprise me if every single owner in the majors has told their GMs not to add any more salary unless an incredible deal comes their way. (The players' union might call that collusion, which happened back in the 1980s, but not if they don't act in concert.)

That bottom-line emphasis has already happened with the Chicago White Sox, who could contend in the AL Central but don't seem to have much heart in it. As GM Ken Williams said Tuesday to the Associated Press:

"Well, if I'm being completely honest, money is more of the issue now. We expected a little more support than we've gotten," he said. "I think it's a reflection upon the economy of what's kind of happen with regards to attendance and I don't know if we've played consistent enough, or been exciting enough for people to get behind us. We're still hopeful."

And this is from a team that thought it had a deal for Jake Peavy earlier this season. And it's a team that certainly would have been in the running for Roy Halladay, who was dangled on the trading block by the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays have fallen backward after a hot start and now are almost completely out of the AL East race. Halladay (10-2) is perhaps the AL's most consistent starter, and on the very short list of the best pitchers in the game. His contract - a big one, as he's owed more than $15 million next season - expires after 2010.

With that kind of salary, there are only a few teams who can afford him. The Yankees are always in the mix. The Cubs? Maybe. Dodgers? Not as likely (but they did save $8 million when Manny Ramirez was suspended). Mets? More likely. Angels? Also a decent fit. But is anyone willing to take on salary right now?

It also would take a deal that would set up the Blue Jays with solid young (and cheap) players, and they're like gold in this economy. And that's why I give the chance at a trade at less than 25 percent.