Can the Red Sox get a Haul today, with Halladay?

The Red Sox are apparently busy on many fronts. In May, I would not have thought Boston would have so many holes to fill, but they could use a starting pitcher, a catcher, and first baseman/designated hitter now. David Ortiz, though turning it up a little of late, has really struggled this year. Jason Varitek has been nicked up of late and is not the offensive force he once was.

The Boston Globe reports the Sox are still pursuing Indians catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez. They are also seeing what it would take to get San Diego first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Nick Cafardo also believes now is the perfect time for the beantowners to swoop in and "steal" Halladay, as no team seems to be stepping forward with the package the Jays want.

Joe McDonald of the Providence Journal seems to think the Sox should make a deal, any deal in fact. I am sure the Sox losing again to the A's, this time eight to six, helps his argument. Even more so with Brad Penny pitching like, well, Brad Penny.

In my opinion, there is no way the Padres deal Gonzalez unless they get a boatload of can't miss prospects back. The Padres are in bad shape right now, and AGonz is there ONLY respectable piece they have going right now. Victor Martinez would be a great fit in Fenway, helping Varitek out at catcher and filling in at first baseman from time to time. And I still stand by the belief that JP Ricciardi has screwed up so much in this process, Halladay will not be dealt.

Joba Chamberlain seems to be finding his form as a starter. The right hander went eight innings, shutting down the powerful Tampa Bay line up to help New York to a six to two win. John Harper of the NY Daily News thinks the "Joba Rules" are the exact reason why the Yanks SHOULD go after Halladay.

Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times thinks Ian Snell being involved in the Jack Wilson trade may free up Jarrod Washburn to be dealt from Seattle. The Mariners celebrated their move with a come from behind win over the Blue Jays (who had this guy named Roy Halladay start ... heard of him?) three to two.

Jonathan Broxton blows a save, giving Albert Pujols the chance to play hero. Broxton wasted a great effort by Clayton Kershaw, leading to the Cards three to two win in 15 innings. The Dodgers are rumored to be sitting out of the Halladay sweepstakes and focusing much more on George Sherrill to help sure up their bullpen. Ken Gurnick of MLB.com has this story on the Dodgers trade prospects.

Plenty of other rumors flying around the internet. Check out MLB Trade Rumors for updates. I love that site.

And oh yeah, I forgot in an earlier post... the Pirates also traded Adam LaRoche. Yikes!