Rays Trade Rumors: James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson, Wade Davis

The Tampa Bay Rays feel they are in a position to trade a pitcher, such as James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson or Wade Davis, and the Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers could be potential landing spots for the trio of arms, reports Joel Sherman of The New York Post:

With Jeff Niemann (broken fibula) due back next month, the Rays feel they are in position to trade a starter and still contend. They have been asked a lot about James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson and reliever Wade Davis.

Shields (8-7, 4.52) is having a down year. But he is only 30, is controllable though 2014 on club options and has such a good reputation that teams continue to believe he could be a big addition this year.

Earlier this week it was reported that the Angels and Rays were discussing a trade that would send Shields to LA in exchange for center fielder Peter Bourjos and catcher Hank Conger.

The Rangers, the Angels’ rival in the American League West, are also said to be in on Shields. Sherman reports the Rays hope this mutual interest creates a bidding war for the 30-year-old.

Sherman lists the Dodgers as another team that could target Shields. While he notes they do not "have a ton of prospects," he says LA could be willing to move their top youngsters for a pitcher that they can control for years to come.