Fansided

5 moves the Giants should make at the MLB trade deadline

By Josh Criswell

May 24, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) hits a two run RBI double in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) hits a two run RBI double in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 17, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) pitches against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 17, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) pitches against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Acquire James Shields from the Padres

The San Diego Padres are not the contender they thought they had assembled when they made a flurry of high-risk moves this past offseason, including signing starting pitcher James Shields to a four-year, $75 million contract.

To say the San Fransisco Giants are desperate for a top-end starting pitcher would be an understatement. Injuries and subpar play from what was supposed to be a dominant rotation has left the Giants heavily pursuing an elite arm to pair with Madison Bumgarner and rookie standout Chris Heston.

Why not add Shields to the mix?

The 33-year old right-handed pitcher actually almost signed with the Giants this past offseason, but the offer was rescinded after Shields attempted to hold out for more money and the team signed Jake Peavy instead. The Peavy signing has been a failure so far, leaving San Fransisco possibly considering a trade for the player they nearly signed six months ago.

Shields has taken a step back in 2015, recording a slightly higher earned run average than his career average, and over half a run more than he had allowed the previous two seasons. Any notion that his age is beginning to take a toll on him should be dispelled by the fact that he is averaging a career-best 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

The Padres will likely want young pitching prospects in return to start the rebuilding process, but will not require elite ones, making Clayton Blackburn and Adalberto Mejia potential trade options.

Next: 4. Acquire Justin Upton from the Padres

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