Let's hash this out: We know the Rangers want Upton but will not include Andrus (according to basically everybody except Jim Bowden). We know Arizona wants a franchise SS. The Braves refused to budge on Simmons. We also know the Rays have A) at least discussed getting Upton themselves and B) have discussed trading Shields with several teams including the Rangers.

Well, Buster Olney tweeted this yesterday:
Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN
The Arizona Diamondbacks have constructed a four-team deal that's currently dormant. Would net them Asdrubal Cabrera, if it's revitalized.

And today there were reports the Indians were discussing Cabrera for Bauer with ARZ. Sounds like an earthshattering trade could be in the works.

AND NOW as I type this, Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
Bob Nightengale ‏@BNightengale
The #Dbacks, #rangers, #indians and #rays have reopened talks of possible 4 team trade involving likes of Shields,Upton,Cabrera

My brain is turning to mush as we speak.

I don't really want James Shields. Would rather see what Perez has and wait for Lewis in the midseason. But if it was David Price that's a different story.

With all due respect Aaron that's crazy talk. Personally I'd rather have Shields for 2 yrs $21 million than Greinke for 6-7 yrs and $1 billion (numbers approximate). Shields is a workhorse and although he was inconsistent in the first part of 2012, he posted a 1.99 ERA after July 30 with 89 K 14 BB in 90 IP only allowing 52 H.

Now we're not talking about trading Andrus for Shields. I think even the Rays would realize that's ludicrous. But something to consider: Shields' career ERA is 3.89. If you remove Greinke's Cy Young season (2009) when he posted a 2.16 ERA, he has a career ERA of 4.06. Is that really worth the biggest contract ever for a RHP?

Which part of Shields doesn't interest you? The part where he's put up all-star numbers every year except 2010? The part where he gets more than 50% ground balls and strikes out almost a batter an inning? The part where his numbers are strikingly similar to Greinke's in a few recent years, and even better in 2011?

We wouldn't necessarily have Shields more than 2 years, but there is almost no way he isn't a better bang for the buck over the next 2, considering Greinke will likely make 1.5 to 2 times as much as he will.

LOL @ Andy...you, sir, obviously don't research these things very well. My informed sorces tell me that Shields has NO leadership skills and he has a tendency to exhibit bad body language on occasion...stay away Rangers, stay away!!!
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ....don't believe til JD tells you any of this has happened folks.

@jondar, that's the thing though- you can't remove Greinke's Cy Young season- the best single season performance by any pitcher in baseball over the last 10 years any more than you can remove Shields 5.18 ERA 2010 season.

I am all for Shields, but I'd rather not give up big prospects for him only to pay huge money in 2 years to keep him if I can just pay big money to Greinke (who is at least as good, and I consider better as a pure pitcher). If it's Price, that's a different story. Not to mention, shields is 2 years older than Greinke.

@jondar, that's the thing though- you can't remove Greinke's Cy Young season- the best single season performance by any pitcher in baseball over the last 10 years any more than you can remove Shields 5.18 ERA 2010 season.

I am all for Shields, but I'd rather not give up big prospects for him only to pay huge money in 2 years to keep him if I can just pay big money to Greinke (who is at least as good, and I consider better as a pure pitcher). If it's Price, that's a different story. Not to mention, shields is 2 years older than Greinke.

@jondar, that's the thing though- you can't remove Greinke's Cy Young season- the best single season performance by any pitcher in baseball over the last 10 years any more than you can remove Shields 5.18 ERA 2010 season.

I am all for Shields, but I'd rather not give up big prospects for him only to pay huge money in 2 years to keep him if I can just pay big money to Greinke (who is at least as good, and I consider better as a pure pitcher). If it's Price, that's a different story. Not to mention, shields is 2 years older than Greinke.

@Joseph...will all due respect i'll take his 15-16 wins, 3.5ERA and 2-5 WAR as a sign of how he is a solid number two out on the field over your "informed sources"

@Fajita: I think Joseph was being sarcastic. If so, good one, Joseph.

I do see sarcasm now...