This was inevitable. His injuries over the past two years were too much to overcome. He was one of the truly great pitchers of his era. One of his crowning glories was pitching a postseason no-hitter in 2010. I got to see one of his last starts this past September when he came off the disabled list on a warm Sunday afternoon to pick up his last win.

His retirement won't affect Cliff Lee's career plans. Halladay's departure was assumed. He was a free agent and there was no interest in him. Lee has some good seasons remaining in that left arm of his.