So far this summer, the Texas Rangers have been linked to Cole Hamels, Zack Greinke, Josh Johnson, Matt Garza and Justin Upton in trade rumors. We can add another starting pitcher to that list as of Thursday, and that's Tampa Bay Rays starter James Shields.
The Rangers, though, aren't the only ones with interest in Big Game James.Per CBS:
The rival Rangers and Dodgers have joined the Angels in the hunt for Big Game James Shields, sources told CBSSports.com.
All three teams have made offers but the Rays are waiting for someone to do better for the former All-Star right-hander.
While the Angels have long been tied to Shields, it turns out arguably their two biggest rivals also have interest.
The Rays have told teams they would listen on three coeveted right-handers, including Jeremy Hellickson and Wade Davis, but Shields is the logical candidate to go since he's 30 and has a $9 million team option for 2013, pricey for the Rays but reasonable for big-market teams.
That the Rangers have an interest in Shields is quite interesting. Shields has struggled mightily this year, with a 1.46 WHIP, and opponents have hit .281 off of him. Shields has allowed 17 home runs so far this year, too.
With Colby Lewis out for the year, Texas' rotation currently boasts Yu Darvish, Roy Oswalt, Derek Holland and Matt Harrison. The Rangers clearly are not counting on either Oswalt or rehabbing righty Neftali Feliz if they're interested in a pitcher of Shields' stature.
We'll see if the Rangers are in it just to drive up the price for the Angels, of if their interest is legitimate in the coming days.
For more on the Rangers, check out Lone Star Ball.