Marlins Could Go After Rays' Shields

Team brass wary of acquiring Zambrano, prefer Tampa's righty instead

The soon-to-be Miami Marlins' efforts to bolster their starting rotation will not likely involve a trade for the Cubs' Carlos Zambrano, but could focus on Tampa RHP James Shields.

ESPN reported over the weekend that the Marlins are considering "a serious run at James Shields," and could offer OF Logan Morrison in return for the right-hander.

With the Marlins set to open their new ballpark in Little Havana next season, the team is looking to make a splash over the offseason to help build excitement in anticipation of the 2012 season.

ESPN added that the chances of the Marlins acquiring Zambrano are slim for two reasons: the team is concerned about his regressing stats as well as his huge contract.

Shields is by far a more attractive pitcher than Zambrano. He was a workhorse for the Rays in 2011, posting 11 complete games over 249 and 1/3 innings. Opposing batters hit .215 against him, striking out 225 times.

But such a pitcher will not come cheap. The Rays have a deep starting rotation, so they could be willing to deal Shields in order to bolster their lineup, but will most certainly ask for an everyday starter in return.

Morrison would make logical trade bait for the Marlins, as he has shown flashes of brilliance. The team's continued frustration with Morrison also makes him more expendable than any of the team's other starters. Morrison came under fire this season for his free-wheeling Twitter feed, criticisms of management and teammate Hanley Ramirez, and decision to skip a photo-op with season ticket holders.

But LoMo might not be enough to convince the Rays to part with Shields. In January, Tampa dealt another starting pitcher, Matt Garza, to the Chicago Cubs, but got both a prospect and an everyday player in return.

So while the Marlins could indeed land Shields from the Rays, it will take more than simply offering Morrison in return.

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