We’ve nearly reached February, and James Shields is still out there, dangling in the wind on the free agent market. According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Shields wants to join a team on the west coast. That’s all fine and dandy, but there’s just one problem with his desires – the ten teams in the two western divisions aren’t exactly jonesing for starting pitching, and the ones that are wouldn’t be too keen on spending the amount of money on Shields that he craves.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Arizona was big on Shields this winter, but reportedly bowed out of the bidding after Max Scherzer’s contract with the Nationals this week. It’s a shame, because he’d be a good fit with the Diamondbacks.
Colorado Rockies: Colorado could use Shields. But given the history of free agent starters at Coors Field, it might not be a worthy gamble. Their payroll is also close to being tapped out, and the team would need to clear some salary to make room for Shields.
Houston Astros: Well, signing Shields *would* fit in with the rest of Houston’s surprisingly busy offseason. But signing a pitcher long-term doesn’t seem like it would fit with their philosophy, and I think the team would rather try to help its young starters grow rather than plugging a hole with a veteran like Shields.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: The Angels’ rotation appears to be set, even with Garrett Richards likely opening the year on the DL and Tyler Skaggs more than likely spending his entire season on the DL following Tommy John surgery in August. Never count out the insanity of Arte Moreno, though.
Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers’ rotation is also set. Signing Shields would force Brett Anderson into the bullpen, which would actually make sense given his injury history.
Oakland Athletics: Maybe if the price for Shields drops to rock bottom prices, the A’s will get involved. But right now, there’s no chance in hell, no matter how much the A’s might actually need him.
San Diego Padres: Shields lives in San Diego, and would also fit the Padres’ offseason “contend now” plan. They have some rotation depth, however, and Shields may be too much of a luxury for the Padres.
San Francisco Giants: The Giants’ rotation appears set as well following the team nearing an agreement to bring back Ryan Vogelsong. They had been tied to Shields earlier this offseason, but instead opted to bring back Jake Peavy.
Seattle Mariners: The Mariners are legitimate contenders, and Shields could push them over the hump in the AL West. However, the team’s payroll is maxed out, and they’d need to dump salary in order to afford Shields.
Texas Rangers: Texas is quite an intriguing option. They could use another starting following the earlier acquisition of Yovani Gallardo, but already are hanging onto a probable sunk cost starter in Matt Harrison. Adding in Shields’ salary would push their payroll to a record level, and while the team probably can afford it, they’ve got enough bad contracts on the books that the additional risk may not be worth it.
So there you have it – Shields wants to play on the west coast, but there aren’t many great fits in MLB’s two western divisions.
