Morning Marquee: San Diego Padres introduce James Shields

On Wednesday, the San Diego Padres introduced their newest offseason prize, right-hander James Shields, who inked a four-year, $75 million deal with a team option for a fifth year valued at $16 million earlier this week.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs could again look to Japan to address a major offseason need
• Cubs need to walk the walk this winter after talking the talk
• Cubs, 2 superstar free agents-to-be have ‘mutual interest’
• Where’s the love for Cubs prospect Matt Mervis?
• Alec Mills shocked Cubs fans, baseball world with 2020 no-hitter

Shields joins former Chicago Cubs prospect Andrew Cashner atop the Padres rotation, giving the team a formidable one-two punch heading into the 2015 season. Speaking of dominant arms, Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez is expected back mid-season, but many are curious to see what level he returns at after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Former Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants left-hander Barry Zito worked out for teams this week, hoping to land a deal this spring. The Houston Astros are reportedly one of the clubs in the running for the southpaw, along with the Cleveland Indians. He has not appeared in big league action since 2013, when he went 5-11 with an unsightly 5.74 ERA.

Former Cubs prospect Tony Campana, who signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox this offseason, tore his ACL this week conditioning and is set to miss the entire season. In the latest prospect rankings, Kris Bryant came in behind Addison Russell on the Cubs’ top talents – leading many to debate the system in more detail.

Here’s more from around the league:

‘Padres News: Shields official; Northcraft DFA’d’ – Friars on Base

‘Zito throws for Astros, but long shot for Houston’ – Climbing Tal’s Hill

‘Former Cub Tony Campana out for season’ – Cubbies Crib

 ‘Baseball Prospectus ranks Bryant behind Russell’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Brewers Clint Coulter named “sleeper” prospect’ – Reviewing the Brew

#Cubs on Social Media