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The Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers have joined the Los Angeles Angels in the hunt for Tampa Bay Rays right-hander James Shields, reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com:
The rival Rangers and Dodgers have joined the Angels in the hunt for Big Game James Shields, sources say.
All three teams have made offers but the Rays are waiting for someone to do better for the star righthander.
Tim Kurkjian of ESPN reported earlier in the week that the Angels were discussing a trade that would net them Shields in exchange for center fielder Peter Bourjos and catcher Hank Conger. Kurkjian added that a deal could also involve Angels right-hander Ervin Santana.
Shields has struggled to an ERA and WHIP of 4.39 and 1.439 through 131 1/3 innings this season, but he was a Cy Young candidate in 2011. Over 33 starts spanning 249 1/3 innings last year, Shields maintained an ERA and WHIP of 2.82 and 1.043 with 11 complete games including four shutouts.
The 30-year-old is making $7 million this season and his contract includes team options of $9 million and $ 12 million for 2013-14 with $1.5 million and $1 million buyouts.
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Should Shields be traded this summer?
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