Red Sox News: Assessing Boston's chances of landing free agent RHP James Shields

The Boston Red Sox have already retooled this starting rotation this offseason, but veteran righty James Shields remains out there in the free-agent pool if the Boston Red Sox are willing to pony up the cash.

ESPN insider Jim Bowden handicapped the top contenders to land Shieds in a recent article, listing the Red Sox in second place with 5-to-1 odds. The San Francisco Giants lead Bowman's list with 3-to-1 odds, but don’t have as much money to invest in Shileds as the Red Sox do, especially after re-signing both Sergio Romo and Jake Peavy.

Add in the debacle that was the Barry Zito contract, and the Giants appear to be hesitant to throw major money at a veteran starter.

The Red Sox may not need Shields to contend in 2015. However, they appear to have as good a shot as any to secure his services regardless, adding a potent top-of-the-line ace to an already-rebuilt starting rotation.

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