MLB Trade Rumors

While James Shields is a very good starter who can handle pitching at the top of a rotation, he's not quite the prize that fellow free-agent right-hander Max Scherzer is. That's why for all the intrigue, guesswork and speculation over where Shields might wind up, everything in that realm is much more compelling when it comes to Scherzer.

Let's be honest: New Year's resolutions almost never work out. Of course, that's no reason not to make them in the first place. 

Looking around the big leagues, there are resolutions—both big and small, bold and not so bold—that all 30 MLB clubs need to be making. 

General managers around MLB have reached the point where the available free agents are largely unimpressive, forcing them to focus on trades as a means to improve their rosters.

The Boston Red Sox are among the most aggressive teams in baseball so far this offseason.  They signed a pair of big-name free-agent bats in Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez.  The Red Sox also revamped their starting rotation with Rick Porcello, Wade Miley and Justin Masterson.

There's usually a lull in the MLB offseason during the holidays, but expect the peace and quiet to come to an end once the calendar turns to 2015. There's still wheeling and dealing to be done.

For now, it seems as if even the MLB trade rumors have taken a backseat to eggnog and caroling. The few we do have focus on players with the ability to play the outfield.

Most of the offseason's biggest trades come prior to the flipping of the calendar, but there could still be a blockbuster or two in the works as the MLB offseason continues on through January.

Despite the calm associated with the holidays, there are still a few MLB trade rumors to analyze. The rumor mill is done churning out bit after bit like it did during the winter meetings. That said, the buzz that comes out now can still have an impact.

Troy Tulowitzki sure draws a lot of trade interest for a player who has an extremely difficult time staying on the field. 

Over the past three seasons, the 30-year-old has missed out on 222 games due to an assortment of injuries. When he has remained on the diamond, the Colorado Rockies veteran has been one of the most dynamic players in the big leagues.

The Cleveland Indians are reportedly ready to renege on their considerable investment in All-Star Nick Swisher.

The Los Angeles Dodgers may have revamped their roster this offseason with a flurry moves during the winter meetings, but there are still questions remaining now that the dust has settled for the time being.