Tim Kurkjian is reporting, according to a source, that the Rays and Angels are discussing a trade involving starting pitcher James Shields.
The trade would send Shields to the Angels in exchange for center fielder Peter Bourjos and catcher Hank Conger, according to the source.
The deal is complicated, the source said, because money is involved and there is a chance that Angels pitcher Ervin Santana could also be included.
Shields would bolster the Angels, who are looking to upgrade their starting rotation. The Rays likely view Bourjos as a future replacement for center fielder B.J. Upton, who likely will leave via free agency after the season.
The Rays also have been looking for catching help all season, and Conger could provide that.
Interesting to say the least. The 24-year-old Conger hasn't been given much of a shot at the major league level -- just 77 games -- but has always posted impressive numbers at Triple-A, though all offensive numbers from the Pacific Coast League should be taken with a grain of salt.
Bourjous was a four win player last year but has struggled this season in posting a .616 OPS. He's 25-years-old and like Conger is under team control for years to come. It's something to keep an eye on.