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Report: James Shields Identified as Dodgers’ No. 1 Target

Like most teams, the Dodgers want to add a pitcher. At the top of their wish list sits a pretty good one.

The Dodgers have identified Rays right-hander James Shields as their No. 1 target, according to ESPN.com’s Mark Saxon.

The Rays are reportedly expected to pick up Shields’ 2013 option, which is worth $10.25 million, but it’s possible that Tampa Bay could consider dealing the righty in the hopes of adding some offense.

If the Rays do choose to deal Shields, he’ll add instant stability to whichever team he joins. Shields went 15-10 with a 3.52 ERA this past season, and he finished third in American League Cy Young voting in 2011 with a 16-12 record and a 2.82 ERA. The 30-year-old also tossed an AL-best 11 complete games and four shutouts in 2011.

According to Saxon, it’s not clear whether the Dodgers will hone in on trade talks with the Rays or instead opt to pursue free-agent ace Zack Greinke. Then again, you can’t go wrong either way.

Photo via Flickr/Keith Allison