Report: Tampa Bay Rays Have Talked James Shields with Los Angeles Angels

According to a report by ESPN's Tim Kurkjian, the Rays and Angels have discussed a deal that would see starting pitcher James Shields pack his bags and head west.

Kurkjian writes, "The trade would send Shields to the Angels in exchange for center fielder Peter Bourjos and catcher Hank Conger." Kurkjian also notes that, "there is a chance that Angels pitcher Ervin Santana could also be included."

Apparently, one of the sticking points of the potential deal is the money involved—an issue that would become all the more important to the thrifty Rays if Santana, who will make $11.2 million this season and has a club option for $13 million in 2013, is involved.

The Rays hoped to solve their catching problems in the offseason by adding former Toronto Blue Jay Jose Molina to the mix, but the veteran has struggled this season and the team still very much desires an upgrade. 

That explains the inclusion of Conger in the talks.

Bourjos would look to be an insurance policy for the likely departure of B.J. Upton in the offseason.

The inclusion of Santana would send back a struggling former star who could end up being anything from a black hole into which the team shovels cash, to a top of the rotation starter in 2013.

There has been no shortage of intrigue surrounding the Rays as the 2012 trade deadline has neared, and it would seem at this point that that trend will only continue as we draw closer and closer.