Angels Leadoff Links – January 13, 2015

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The Angels Leadoff Links are your source for the articles that matter most to Angels fans from around the FanSided baseball network. For those of you rooting for Oregon last night, there is only one cure for a broken heart — it rhymes with cruise. So kick back, pour yourself a glass of your favorite adult beverage (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere after all), and let the talented writers here at FanSided get your day off on the right foot.

When the 2014 season ended, it was widely speculated All-Star hurler James Shields would be a hot commodity this winter on the free agent market. Surprisingly, Shields remains unsigned on January 13, 2015. David Hill, co-editor at Kings of Kauffman, comments on the recent reports that ‘Big Game’ James turned down a $110 million dollar offer from a mystery team earlier this offseason.

Next: James Shields and the $110 Million Contract Offer

WARNING: This next article is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The arch rival Oakland A’s have been busy retooling this offseason in hopes of challenging the defending champion Angels this season. Tony Frye, co-editor of Swingin’ A’s, writes that the “experts” at MLB Network are not big fans of the moves made by Billy Beane this winter. However, based on Beane’s track record, I am still going to give him and his staff the benefit of the doubt.

Next: MLB Network Thinks the Oakland Athletics are 'not good'

Dan Haren has been in the news lately after demanding a trade from the Miami Marlins to a team located on the west coast. However, it appears the Marlins are having trouble finding any takers for the 34-year-old right-hander. Ehsan Kassim, editor of Marlin Maniac, reports that Haren has confirmed he will be in attendance when the Marlins report to spring training next month. Haren had previously stated that he would rather retire than relocate to Miami, so this quite a stunning turnaround.

Next: Report: Dan Haren will Report to Spring Training with Marlins

Ben Zobrist was dealt to the Oakland Athletics late last week. Recent reports indicate Zobrist was nearly traded to the Washington Nationals as part of three-team deal involving the New York Mets. Robbie Knopf, editor of Rays Colored Glasses, discusses what could have been if the Rays had completed the trade with the Nats and Mets instead of the A’s.

Next: The New York Mets and the Path Not Traveled for the Ben Zobrist Trade

On Monday, the Pittsburgh Pirates pulled off an exciting signing. The Bucs inked power hitting Korean shortstop Jung-ho Kang to a four-year deal worth a reported $16 million dollars. Eric Scot of Rumbunter breaks down the deal, and introduces Pirates’ fans to their new shortstop.

Next: Jung-ho Kang and Pirates Agree to Four Year Deal