Halladay could impact Sox, Cubs

For the second time in a couple months, the White Sox and Cubs may find themselves right in the middle of a fight for an ace.

First it was Jake Peavy. Now, it's Roy Halladay.

Knowing Sox GM Ken Williams and his penchant for striking early, he probably called Toronto weeks ago to ask about a price, before Halladay officially hit the trade market.

As for the Cubs, well, don't believe all you hear about the Tom Ricketts deal being done.

Since it was reported here last September that Ricketts had become the leader among the bidders to buy the Cubs, there have been a half dozen reports of a deal being done, and not a one was correct, including the reports this week.

The most recent news was at best premature and at worst incorrect, so we're going to have to see any deal to believe it, especially now that it appears bidder Marc Utay is back in the game.

Even if it's "close,'' what does that mean? Another month? Two months? Six?

The July 31 trade deadline is creeping closer and while the Sox will try to get something done, as of this moment the Cubs have no permission from their current owner to do anything spectacular.

Cubs fans held hostage by Sam Zell, Day 828.

So, if they can't trade for him, how does the Halladay market affect the Cubs?

Simple. The Cardinals and Brewers are both interested.

Exactly a year ago Tuesday, the Brewers traded for CC Sabathia, who was still heavy two periods in his name, and a few hundred million lighter in his portfolio.

He went to Milwaukee and drove the Brewers' bus to the postseason, and Milwaukee GM Doug Melvin would desperately like to make another monster move before the Cardinals can do the same.

When Brewers all-star Ryan Braun complained recently about the team lacking pitching, all he did was put more pressure on his GM to make something happen.

Meanwhile, if the White Sox can land Halladay before anyone in the NL Central, Williams is not only boosting South Side hopes, but North Side chances as well.

He's made clear in the past that he has no interest in anything Cubs, so we'll assume Williams has only one goal in mind if he pursues Halladay:

Ken Williams loves aces, period.

In his mind, the only thing better than having one ace, is having three aces.

"You don't win the World Series without them,'' Williams told me last week. "You've got to have them.''

In 2005, the White Sox had at least three starters capable of filling that role and the result was a World Series title.

As for whether he'd be interested in putting together a package Toronto would accept, well, Williams also said last week that July is a bad month to try to solve your problems.

"I'm not a big fan of the big, splashy move in July these days,'' Williams said. "A lot of times, teams panic and they pay too much for too little.''

Still, knowing Williams, you can be certain he's inquired as to what it would take to get Halladay.

The 32-year-old starter is due another $7 million this season and $15 million next season, and I hate to mention this part, but he does have (gulp) a no-trade clause.

Peavy's dislike, however, was of the league, not the city or the team, and you would suspect Halladay would have no issue should the subject come up.

More likely, he'd waive it for a contract extension and a chance to win the World Series, which also brings into play - you guessed it - the Yankees and Red Sox.

But whether it's Halladay or another ace to be determined, any pitcher the Sox bring to Chicago and keep out of Boston, New York, St. Louis or Milwaukee is a good deal for both sides of town.

So hold onto your hats, Sox and Cubs fans, as this is the season for wishes and dreams.

The Sox have saved for a rainy day and have the ability to make a huge trade if they choose.

The Cubs could also use Halladay, especially with the Ryan Dempster broken toe, but the Cubs are stuck between an owner who doesn't care - who wouldn't know the difference between a win or a loss even if that "W'' flag fell on his head - and the prospective owner who can't appear too excited, lest he delay the process and up the price yet again.

But the Cubs may yet get help from their South Side counterparts, as the Sox help themselves along the way.

Stranger things have happened.

brozner@dailyherald.com