Unphased

Image courtesy of Daylife

Amidst all the whirlwind of trade speculation and being on display in St. Louis at the All-Star Game, Roy Halladay came out and did what he does best; win.

While a complete game victory is nothing new from Doc, this time it was very different and the atmosphere at this game was unlike any Roy Halladay start we’ve ever seen before. There was a sense in the air that this could have been Doc’s last game in a Blue Jay uniform and Halladay was aware of this as well. A rare smile and a hat tip to the crowd was his way of saying “just in case this was my last game … thank you”.

Perhaps the most telling of all was Brandy Halladay’s emotional testimony during the radio and television broadcasts. On the verge of tears, Brandy thanked the fans for the overwhelming support and praised J.P. Ricciardi for all that he had done for their family. Although she didn’t say goodbye, it certainly felt like one.

If Roy Halladay does in fact get traded, I think most people understand that it’s a business decision and that it’s nothing personal. The problem is that the city of Toronto and Blue Jays fans all over the world are so emotionally invested in this team and Roy Halladay that it feels like we’re losing a member of the family. So if Doc has to pack up his bags and play somewhere else, I just hope that he can come back and visit every once in a while.