Rays should trade James Shields to fill holes

[Deb]

Rays should trade James Shields to fill holes

Matthew Pouliot
Nov 11, 2012, 6:30 PM EST



That the Rays will trade a starter this winter seems like a given. With David Price, James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson, Matt Moore, Alex Cobb, Jeff Niemann and Chris Archer all under contract, the Rays possess both quality and quantity in the rotation.

What they don’t have are bats and a lot of money, so with holes at first base, catcher, one middle infield spot and one outfield spot, dealing a starter for a hitter or two makes all of the sense in the world.

In terms of return, Moore and Price undoubtedly have the most trade value in the group, with Hellickson not too far behind. That’s why it might be tempting to deal from that trio.

Shields, though, has plenty of value himself. His two club options call for him about $24 million the next two years. That’s pretty expensive for the Rays — in fact, his $10.25 million salary in 2013 will be the highest in club history — but it’s palatable compared to what inferior free agents will command this winter. If Shields were a free agent, he’d probably be in line for $16 million-$18 million per year in a five-year deal.

[Old Sweater]

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/co...s/?page_id=148

A group led by New York investment banker Stuart Sternberg gained a controlling interest in the Rays 10/05. Sternberg’s group had purchased 48% of the club 5/04 for $65M, with original owner Vincent Naimoli retaining 15% and limited partners 37%. Naimoli originally paid $130M for the franchise in 1995. Forbes magazine valued the club at $323M in March, 2012.

Really? Open the piggy bank fellers.