James Shields is officially a member of the Padres.
James Shields is officially a member of the Padres. (USATSI)

On Wednesday, the Padres officially introduced new staff ace James Shields at a press conference at Petco Park. The move capped off the team's ultra-aggressive offseason, in which they revamped their lineup without sacrifice payroll flexibility or gutting the farm system.

“At the beginning of the offseason I’m watching the moves (GM A.J. Preller is) making. It’s incredible, the change,” sad Shields at the press conference. “The teams that I was looking at, I knew that they were going to win and win now. That’s what I loved about San Diego and what the ownership’s doing right now is they have that win-now mentality. Not only now, but in the next four, five years. I’m looking forward to doing my part.

“We’re going to try to bring a championship to San Diego,” he added. “I believe, if I’m not mistaken, it would be the first one ever in San Diego. I’m up for that challenge.”

Here's video of the press conference:

Shields, 33, grew up in Southern California and lives in San Diego. His four-year contract is worth $75 million with a fifth year club option. The option is worth $16 million. Shields will earn $10 million in 2015 and $21 million each year from 2016-18.

In addition to Shields, Preller has acquired Matt Kemp, Wil Myers, Justin Upton, Derek Norris, Brandon Maurer and Will Middlebrooks this offseason. Myers and Shields were traded for each other two offseasons ago and Myers joked about the oft-debated on Twitter:

Shields will join Andrew Cashner, Ian Kennedy and Tyson Ross in the rotation. Ordisamer Despaigne, Robbie Erlin, Josh Johnson and Brandon Morrow are all candidates for the fifth spot.

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