Blue Jays agree to extension

The ROC

DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) -- Toronto pitcher Roy Halladay signed a $40 million, three-year contract extension Thursday, the latest in a series of big-money moves for the Blue Jays.

The deal could keep the 2003 AL Cy Young winner with the Blue Jays through the 2010 season. The 28-year-old righty was 12-4 with a 2.41 ERA in 19 starts last year when his left leg was broken July 8 by Kevin Mench's line drive in Texas.

"The chance to be here for another five years is something I didn't want to pass up," Halladay said. "I really appreciate the way things have been handled. I couldn't be more thrilled than to have the opportunity to be here an added three years. I just can't express how excited I am."

The Blue Jays have not finished better than third place in the AL East since winning the 1993 World Series.

Since last season ended, Toronto has added -- by trades or free agency -- closer B.J. Ryan, third baseman Troy Glaus, pitcher A.J. Burnett, catcher Bengie Molina and first baseman Lyle Overbay.

"Roy Halladay is the premier pitcher in the American League," Blue Jays president Paul Godfrey said. "To know he will be part of this organization for the next five seasons is a big, big plus."

Added general manager J.P. Ricciardi: "He's a poster boy for the Blue Jays. We all know what he is capable of doing, we all know what he is capable of in a leadership role."

Halladay signed a $42 million, four-year contract in January 2004. The extension ensures him $10 million in 2008, $14.25 million in 2009 and $15.75 million in 2010.

Halladay is 79-40 lifetime with a 3.70 ERA. He said was excited about staying with the team that drafted in June 1995.

"I think that is the biggest selling point for me, the city and the people in the organization," Halladay said. "Also the steps they have taken, not only bring guys in but everybody they have brought in has been quality people. It's fun to be part of something like that."
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Good deal imo he is a great pitcher and deserves the extension.

arjun146262003

Good, they need Halladay badly.