FanPost

Some period of time open rumor thread V

Seems like it's been awhile since one of these have been posted, and the others are nearly dead and buried. Seems a lot is going on today, so another thread might as well go up.

1. Halladay to take physical with Phillies, trade close?

Two baseball sources told CSNPhilly.com Monday that the team is actively talking about a contract extension with representatives for the 32-year-old righthander. It is likely that the Phillies would want to sign Halladay to an extension before they traded for him. Without an extension, Halladay would be eligible for free agency after the 2010 season. One of the sources said that Halladay is likely to have a physical exam with Phillies' medical personal this week. LINK
Cliff Lee would likely be moved in that deal too. I'd be fine with this happening, if it meant the Angels didn't get him.

2. Hideki Matsui to Angels?
The Los Angeles Angels are in serious discussions with Hideki Matsui about supplanting Vladimir Guerrero as their designated hitter, a source familiar with the team's thinking told ESPN.com. A league source told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney that the Angels and Matsui were closing in on a one-year deal for about $6.5 million. LINK
I'd have liked Matsui, but he wouldn't have come here anyway. Probably not a good fit for the club anyway. Seems like a good pickup for Anaheim.

3. Lackey to Red Sox...maybe
Former Los Angeles Angels ace John Lackey(notes) submitted to a physical examination by Boston Red Sox doctors Monday, according to reports, leading to speculation the free-agent right-hander was close to a contract agreement with the club. However, a source with the Angels said they are still in the running for Lackey and believe he hasn’t accepted an offer. LINK
This is the first piece I've seen that has the Angels saying they're still in it. I bet he still goes to the Red Sox. I wonder if the Mets and Angels step up bidding for Bay, or if the Angels try to beat the Phillies' offer for Halladay after this news...