The Yankees wanted to take a less aggressive approach to this offseason than last year's, but the Red Sox might force them to rethink that approach if they get involved in the Roy Halladay derby.

A recent report in the New York Daily News had Boston ready to try to clinch a deal to acquire the Toronto ace before the winter meetings begin on Dec. 7.

In that scenario, the Yankees would have to get involved to at least drive up the price for their rivals in a trade. But there's a legitimate question as to whether the Yankees should try to make a deal.

They made a similar move after winning a championship in 1998, sending David Wells to the Blue Jays for Roger Clemens, messing with chemistry for the sake of talent.

This time, a deal would be more about how the Yankees approach their future than their present in terms of sacrifice.

At a minimum, the Yankees would need to part with Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes. As long as the club can negotiate a contract extension with the 32-year-old Halladay, that shouldn't be such a painful move.

Despite the potential of both young pitchers, neither comes with a guarantee, and both have questions to answer.

But the Yankees would most likely have to include a prospect who is a position player, such as outfielder Austin Jackson or catcher Jesus Montero.

The club's goal has been to get younger and curb spending after throwing nearly a half-billion at top free agents last year.

Still, it's a difficult choice, as Halladay could swing the balance of power in the AL East for at least the next year or two.

While the Yankees are right to worry about locking up too many players to long-term contracts and bog down the roster with aging players, they will have to consider the immediate gains as well.

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