Report: Rays trading James Shields would require Zack Greinke-type deal
The Rays' James Shields is drawing trade interest from at least four teams. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
At least four teams are interested in trading for Tampa Bay Rays starter James Shields, but the Rays are looking for a package of even greater value than what the Milwaukee Brewers got for starter Zack Greinke.
CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reported that the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians have all been in talks with Tampa Bay about Shields. From Heyman's report:
The Rays say they seek "north of Greinke,'' according to someone with ties to the Rays organization, a new phrase borne out of the Angels' three prospect deal for Zack Greinke. While few would argue Shields is as good as Greinke, the Rays' contention is that he is more valuable due to two teams options tying him to the team that remain, a $9-million option for 2013 and a $12-million option for 2013.
The Los Angeles Angels traded rookie shortstop Jean Segura and two Top 10 prospects in their system — Double-A right-handers Ariel Pena and Johnny Hellweg — to Milwaukee for Greinke.
The Rangers might be more inclined to make a deal at the trade deadline, with its pitching staff battling injuries and the American League West division foe Angels trading for Greinke. But they were weary of giving up too much in a package for Miami Marlins starter Josh Johnson.
