Cubs Miss on Shields Signing

Not sure I would lose a lot of sleep over James Shields signing with San Diego.  Apparently the Cubs offer might have been for more money per year, but topped out at three years.  I cannot fault the front office for this.  Shields is 33 and probably a risk even at three years, certainly at four.

The Cubs are going into the season with four solid starters in Lester, Arrieta, Hendricks, and Hammel, with some healthy competition between Wada, Wood, and several others for the fifth spot.

James Shields Rumors

Word is that Shields, the only top tier free agent pitcher still on the market, will make a decision on where he will sign later this week.  Some people are floating the idea the Cubs are on his shortlist.  If so, it has been a stealthy business for the Cubs front office as today is the first time I have seen the rumor.

Shields is in kind of an odd box.  By this time, early February and just about two weeks from the spring training report date for pitchers and catchers, most of the big names are already signed and teams in general are pretty well set.  Shields was no doubt expecting something like Lester money or at least something close.  However, he is 33 years old, so any team signing him for four or five years is taking a big risk.

I'm of two minds on the Cubs pursuit of Shields if in fact there is any substance to the rumors.  Shields is good.  There is no doubt he was a good part of the Royals resurgence last season.  Were the Cubs to sign him to a one or two year deal, I would have no hesitation.  Maybe that is what is in the cards.  Undoubtedly signing a guy like Shields would signal the Cubs are all in for 2015.

Realistically, it is possible they are only kicking the tires here.  With the acquisition of Dexter Fowler, I was not expecting any more blockbuster moves.  On paper, the Cubs look to be set for a pretty good year.  Right now their only major need is for a solid and reliable pair of left-handed relievers.