Ladies and gentlemen. Boys and girls. Children of all ages. Step up, step right up!

The Roy Halladay Sweepstakes has officially begun!!

According to comments from Toronto Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi at CBS Sportsline, the team is officially open to the possibility of trading the long-time ace.

“We have to see what makes us better,” Ricciardi said. “Obviously, if people have interest in Roy Halladay, they’d better realize there’s a steep price that’s going to come with it.”

It is a steep price, but one that numerous teams should be willing to pay.

Unlike last year’s short-term rental of CC Sabathia, Halladay is under contract through 2010. He would only cost his new team a prorated portion of his $14.25 million and $15.75 million next season, a figure that is quite reasonable for a pitcher of Halladay’s pedigree.

Ricciardi had been reluctant to admit that the Blue Jays may be sellers this year, but economic woes combined with the club’s recent struggles have ultimately made the decision for him.

Read the rest of the article at BleacherReport.