The question was: “Who is the toughest pitcher you’ve faced?”

David Ortiz’ answer was swift and decisive.

“Roy Halladay,” the Red Sox’ DH said, “he’s nasty.”

That was one month ago, and nothing has changed. It is, in fact, an answer that most likely won’t be altered for some time now.

That is why when Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi told FoxSports.com Ken Rosenthal that he would have to start listening to offers for Halladay it became THE baseball news of the day Tuesday.

“We have to see what’s out there,” Ricciardi told Rosenthal. “I’m not saying we’re going to shop him. But if something makes sense, we at least have to listen. We’re (leaning) more toward listening than we’ve ever been.”

Later in the day, WEEI.com texted Ricciardi to ask if he would rule out dealing with an American League East competitor if the Halladay situation did heat up. The text back: “No.”

There you have it Red Sox fans. In the words of Jim Carrey’s character in “Dumb and Dumber”, “So you’re saying there’s a chance...”

A chance? Yes. Is it likely? No.

Let’s start with what the Blue Jays would be asking in return. All indications suggest that the priority in regards to players coming back in a Halladay deal are an everyday shortstop and pitching. The Red Sox have plenty of the latter, but outside of Jed Lowrie (who fills a pretty big need for the Sox now and in the near future), the shortstop issue might be a deal-breaker.

Yes, the Red Sox do have a highly-regarded shortstop prospect in 19-year-old Oscar Tejada, who is currently at SIngle A Greenville. That kind of player, however, figures to be a bit too futuristic for the Blue Jays in regards to this scenario. The Jays might -- and probably would -- ask for pitcher/shortstop Casey Kelly, but that is one piece (even for Halladay) the Red Sox would seem to be tethering to their foundation.

The good news for the Red Sox is that the Yankees seem to be in the same boat, with slick-fielding Ramiro Peña the only somewhat-intriguing major league shortstop prospect on their horizon, and he most likely isn’t at the talent level the Jays will be talking about.

Putting the Jays’ desire for a shortstop aside, both the Red Sox and Yankees, however, do have enough young talent (especially pitching) to get into the picture.

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So who would seem to best equipped to offer the kind of bounty the Blue Jays would be talking about? Don’t sleep on that other A.L. East rival, Tampa Bay. The Rays have two of the top shortstop prospects in the game in Tim Beckham and Reid Brignac, along with some top-notch young pitching.

But, alas, then there are the finances of the deal.

The 32-year-old Halladay will finish off his $14.25 million deal this year before heading into the final season of his current contract in 2010, when he will be paid $15.75 million.

The Red Sox can clearly budget in Halladay for the time being, but where it gets tricky is after the ‘10 campaign. Not only does the Jays’ ace’s deal run out after next year, but so would Sox’ starter Josh Beckett’s (assuming the team picks up his $12 million option after this year).

Having the two hurlers on the same staff would be gold, and not only for the sake of pure on-field production. If there is one pitcher Beckett looks up to it is Halladay because of his well-documented work ethic and approach to the game, and having both guide the organization’s stable of young pitching would be ideal.

The problem comes with the Red Sox’ willingness to have two starters eating up so much of their payroll, while doing so over what figures to be at least a five-year increment.

But, then again, some of the value also be keeping Halladay away from the Yankees or Rays. New York would undoubtedly make an effort to add the Jays’ ace, even with the hefty commitments to both C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett (whom Halladay might not want to attempt to mentor once again). 

And as for the Rays, they have Scott Kazmir’s $12 million-a-year deal coming off the books after ‘11, which could help, but they would have to get creative in the manner they allocate finances for position players if Halladay was going to eat such a big chunk. As much as Tampa Bay has kept pace with the Sox and Yanks in the standings, this scenario could offer another wake-up call in terms of the differences between the organizations.

At the end of the day, Halladay gets the right to refuse any trade, although he made it clear Tuesday that his ears and eyes are wide open to a possible change.

If you thought the Johan Santana trade whirlwind was interesting, thanks to Ricciardi and Hallday, you haven’t seen anything yet.