After adding the 33-year old veteran, the Padres are reportedly in on Yoan Moncada, too.
James Shields is officially a San Diego Padre. It took a while, but Shields ultimately opted to remain close to his home. Time will tell if San Diego has done enough to make the postseason, but some writers feel the Padres are now in a good position to make the playoffs:
-Padres squarely in postseason hunt with addition of James Shields | Big League Stew - Yahoo Sports
Looking at the bigger picture, we wouldn't say adding Shields is the final piece in a championship puzzle, but he's an important piece if San Diego hopes to end its eight-year postseason drought.
-The Padres should still trade for Cole Hamels - SBNation.com
The Padres just spent $75 million to sign James Shields. They're probably done, but let's ask if they should be.
-Why James Shields is a risk the hyperactive Padres had to take | New York Post
Nevertheless, the decision – under new general manager A.J. Preller – to aggressively accumulate talent this offseason with Kemp, Shields, Justin Upton, Wil Myers and others has turned the Padres from one of the majors’ least relevant teams to the talk of the game.
-Could the Royals have afforded James Shields? - Royals Review
The Royals did not appear to show serious interest in any of the three free agents, despite all three being key parts of the pennant-winning ballclub. The feeling was the Royals simply couldn't afford James Shields, and wanted to go in a different direction in right-field and designated hitter.
Are the Padres planning to take over the world?
The Padres are taking over the world: Sources say San Diego is working out Yoan Moncada today and plans to be aggressive in bidding for him.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 9, 2015Padres relevant but not necessarily good?
I'm still not sure the Padres are good, but they're at least relevant, & that's a big step for them. It's fun to see. http://t.co/53ovodnzD8
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) February 9, 2015Shields, Padres reportedly agree to 4-year deal http://t.co/s2Age1ia03 via @mlb So the Pads are more than relevant, they're really good
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) February 9, 2015James Sheilds still doesn't make the #Padres contenders http://t.co/5JmQAS6vl9pic.twitter.com/Q74OkNZdgL
— Beyond the Box Score (@BtBScore) February 9, 2015padres have had one of most interesting offseasons in recent memory: j. upton, kemp, myers, shields, others. a threat.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) February 9, 2015Kevin Millar likes the deal:
That NL West gonna be sweet this year #Padres sign James Shields to 4yr deal Option for 5th yr @ChrisRose and yes I nailed it #OnlyFacts
— Kevin Millar (@KMillar15) February 9, 2015Could the deal give small market teams hope? Possibly:
In SD, James Shields will be a walking reminder of what a dedicated small market can accomplish. Rays, Royals, Padres?
— Lee Jenkins (@SI_LeeJenkins) February 9, 2015Padres only have one more rotation slot to fill. And they have options:
This essentially means the #Padres go to ST with one rotation opening, No. 5 -- and that's likely Morrow or Despaigne.
— Corey Brock (@FollowThePadres) February 9, 2015Padres are open to spending, too.
James Shields’ deal (4 years, $72M-75M) will be largest in Padres history, beating Jake Peavy’s 3-year, $52M deal in 2007-08 offseason
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 9, 2015Shields is not really great with the bat, though:
In 50 career PA, James Shields has hit .213/.245/.234. Only 13 strikeouts. Neat little bonus of him moving to the NL.
— Jesse Spector (@jessespector) February 9, 2015Shields must have really wanted to go home:
One person involved in the James Shields talks said he had another offer on the table for more than SD's -- a 4 yr., $80m offer.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 9, 2015Who won the Wil Myers/Shields trade?
The Padres won the Wil Myers / James Shields trade
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) February 9, 2015