Don't get me wrong, I like Andrew Cashner plenty, but I want A.J. Preller to really put his stamp on every part of this team. If he wants Cole Hamels over Cashner, then so be it. He'll get no criticism from me, unless it blows up down the road.

Padres still working hard to get a frontline SP. Worth noting: Ruben Amaro covets Andrew Cashner, and SD not on Cole Hamels' no-trade list. — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 4, 2015

How great would it be if Preller pulls off back-to-back trades again and gets both Hamels and James Shields in the same week? I'd be all about that. It's hard for me to get too attached to these studs on the farm, so if he must trade them for the Padres to be competitive this year, then I'm in! All the way in.

Multiple execs also mentioned the #Padres to me today, as a team they believe has had recent talks with James Shields' agent. — Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 4, 2015

Shields is supposed to sign a deal at the end of the week, which means the clock is ticking on Preller to make the Hamels deal at the same time.

Sources: James Shields has multiple offers in hand and is expected to sign by the end of this week. @FOXSports — Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 4, 2015

Consider these rumors blogged!

UPDATE:

James Shields has a strong preference to stay West near his San Diego home, according to several GMs who have spoken to his reps. — Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 4, 2015

UPDATE: