http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/06...deal-for-padres-pitcher-james-shields-report/
[h=1]White Sox Finalizing Deal For Padres Pitcher James Shields[/h]
June 4, 2016 2:36 PMFiled Under: Chicago White Sox,
James Shields
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Padres right-hander James Shields.
(Getty Images)
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By Bruce Levine–
CHICAGO (CBS) — The White Sox are close to acquiring veteran Padres right-hander James Shields, according to sources. In return, the Padres would receive young players in the deal and a good amount of economic relief from the nearly $58 million due on Shields’ contract that runs through 2018.
For the struggling White Sox, Shields would strengthen a pitching staff that has seen inconsistent production at the back of the rotation.
It was “looking good” that a deal for the 34-year-old Shields would be completed by Saturday’s end, a source said. That aligned with the San Diego Union-Tribune’s reporting, which said the deal is expected to be done before Shields makes his scheduled start Sunday against the Rockies.
The White Sox previously had rebuffed the Padres’ interest in shortstop Tim Anderson, Chicago’s top prospect, sources told 670 The Score. The possibility of an expanded trade exists, as the teams have been talking for the past 10 days.
The Padres are interested in right-hander Erik Johnson, the 2015 International League Pitcher of the Year and one of the White Sox’s top prospects.
Shields is 2-7 with a 4.28 ERA and 1.42 WHIP this season. His ERA sat at 3.06 before he had a disastrous start recently in which he allowed 10 earned runs in 2 2/3 innings. Shields has also been remarkably durable in his career, throwing at least 202 innings in nine straight seasons.
Shields would likely fit in the rotation between the White Sox’s two left-handed aces, Chris Sale and Jose Quintana.
Shields has close to $58 million left on his contract, which runs through 2018. He does have an opt-out clause after the completion of this 2016 season, according to reports. He’s owed $21 million in 2017 and $21 million in 2018, with a club option for 2019.
The White Sox — who have emphasized that they’re looking at a two-year window to compete with their current roster — have excess money with the sudden retirement of Adam LaRoche in spring training freeing up $13 million to use toward Shields contract. Projecting out further, John Danks’ $14.25 million comes off the books after 2016. He was released in early May.
Shields has a lifetime 3.76 ERA. He also has his share of postseason experience, having made 11 playoff starts, including four in 2014 when he helped the Royals reach the World Series, where they fell in seven games.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
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