The Blue Jays got their first taste of an opposing Roy Halladay on Wednesday when they made the short trip from Dunedin to Bright House Field in Clearwater. The Jays showed their appreciation for Halladay and his new Philly uniform by swatting balls left and right, touching up the ace starter for four runs in the first inning alone. However, Halladay was able to pick himself up in the show why he’s one of the best by striking out three batters in the second.

Halladay was taken out after three innings. He faced 14 batters and gave up five hits, including doubles to Jose Bautista, Adam Lind and Edwin Encarnacion as well as a home run to Aaron Hill. He struck out five and recorded two fly outs and two ground outs. It was anything but the traditional Halladay outing that the Jays have been used to seeing over the last decade, but they won’t complain. Of course, they probably wish this were a regular season game.

Thanks to the 1993 World Series between the two clubs, the Jays and Phillies face each other in Interleague Play each year. In 2010, Toronto will host Philadelphia for a weekend series from June 25-27, where many Halladay worshippers in Ontario are hoping the Doc will make a start. Losing Halladay in trade last year was a sad, but expected day for Jays fans, and an overwhelming majority have nothing but well-wishes for the man. The Phillies made a lot of fans in Toronto by snagging their best player.

Halladay’s poor outing against the Jays is irrelevant. Whether he was inadvertently going easy, or he just ran into some tough hitters that know what he’s all about, Halladay is more than ready for the season. He was ready when he stepped into Clearwater for the first time in February. Halladay’s training schedule is notorious, and it’s already had an impact on the other Philly pitchers. His work ethic is as good as his skills, and the fans in Philadelphia won’t have to wait much longer to find out exactly what the Doc is all about.