Y, I think the reason that people feel that blockbusters are still logistically possible is that a lot of the "boxes" that supposedly need to be checked off can be checked off in advance if clubs have a mind to, without having the trade in place, it seems to me. Even in a Halliday trade, I imagine that most of the paperwork is done and waiting for a few critical insertions, management has already signed off contingent on a particular level of compensation (e.g., they've signed off with the stipulation that Bard, RWML and Kelly aren't part of the package), Boston may already have a physical report on Halladay that they're OK with, and there is an understanding between Boston and the Jays that Halladay will waive the no-trade clause to go to Boston (or the Jays may already have such a statement in principle.) The agreement on the talent going in both directions is really THE issue to resolve.

It seems to me that Toronto and SD, not having a lot of marketable pieces, but having one outstandingly valuable one each, are trying to hit a 5-run HR with what they have. No harm in trying, I guess. The question is, is there a team out there desperate enough to try for a title who will give them the moon to increase their chances by whatever percentage these players would provide? This gets back to the reasons question I asked back at the beginning of this thread. I intend to revisit that after the dust settles.