The Cardinals now appear to be the front-runners for Holliday, who would fit nicely into their cleanup spot, behind Albert Pujols. The Tigers are viewed as a second serious pursuer, but things appeared to be progressing Thursday with St. Louis.
"It looks like it has a good chance to happen with the Cardinals," one league source said.
The potential deal would likely send top hitting prospect Brett Wallace, a third baseman, to Oakland for Holliday. The Cardinals were believed to be deliberating whether to include Wallace in a package. But while Wallace is an excellent hitter, he may not fit the Cardinals perfectly since some scouts believe his best position ultimately will be first base.
As a young hitting prospect with power, he has excellent value, however. Word was, St. Louis might ask Oakland for cash considerations, especially if Wallace, who received a $1.8 million bonus last year, is in the deal. Halladay has about half his $13.5 million salary to be paid, as well.
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa was said to be pushing for Holliday deal, although it isn't known whether La Russa has quite the clout with the new Cardinals regime as he had with former GM Walt Jocketty. One source said La Russa was taken by surprise by the trade of Chris Duncan, son of pitching coach and longtime friend Dave Duncan. Regardless, Holliday would make more than an ample replacement.
Sports Illustrated
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