Trading aces:?Phils to ship Lee for Halladay?

Roy Halladay was in Philadelphia yesterday. He could be in Phillies pinstripes by tomorrow.

A tentative agreement is in place to send Halladay to the Phillies, Cliff Lee to the Mariners and prospects to the Blue Jays, according to multiple Internet reports.

SI.com first reported a deal was close.

So, the Phillies would be swapping an ace for an ace? But, is it an upgrade for the defending NL champions?

Lee, the 2008 AL Cy Young winner, wowed area fans with his cool postseason demeanor. Halladay, the 2003 AL Cy Young winner, has never eyed the postseason in 12 seasons, although he posted more wins and a lower ERA than Lee last season.

Draw your own conclusions. But what appears to be driving this deal is the fact the Phillies can sign Halladay long-term, maybe even at a discount since he just wants to win at this point in his career.

Meanwhile, Lee is reportedly enamored with CC Sabathia’s seven-year, $161-million contract and talks on an extension with the Phillies have been progressing slowly.

By pulling the trigger on Halladay, the Phillies will secure at least one ace, instead of losing out on both of them.