Phils, Halladay said to reach three-year deal

Club may introduce its new right-hander on Wednesday.



The Phillies and Halladay have agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $60 million or more, which would keep him in red pinstripes through the 2013 season, sources said. Halladay is taking his physical Tuesday and could be announced at a news conference as early as Wednesday, or later depending on how quickly the other players in the three-team trade complete their physicals.

The Blue Jays would send Halladay and $6 million to the Phillies for prospects Kyle Drabek, Michael Taylor and Travis d'Arnaud. The Phillies also would send Cliff Lee to the Mariners for prospects Phillippe Aumont, Tyson Gillies and J.C. Ramirez.

ESPN.com reported that the Blue Jays will send Taylor to Oakland for Brett Wallace.

The Phillies got one of the best pitchers in baseball in Halladay. They also restocked their farm system by dealing Lee.

But that was not the only reason the Phillies traded Lee, whom they acquired in July for four prospects. They also needed salary relief, as their payroll approached $140 million. Lee will make $9 million next season. Add that to the $6 million that Toronto is sending to Philadelphia for Halladay, who makes $15.75 million, and the Phillies' payroll jumps only $750,000.

First baseman-outfielder Ross Gload is taking his physical Tuesday. The Phillies agreed to a two-year contract with him last week.

Once the deals for Halladay, Lee and Gload are final, the Phillies are expected to continue their pursuit for bullpen help. Their top two targets are believed to be right-handers Fernando Rodney and John Smoltz.