So James Shields finally signed. After a week where we talked about how the Royals might have a slim chance to re-sign him, Shields agreed to a deal with San Diego.

We looked at the fallout now that it's official and talked about the comparisons to the players the Royals signed ahead of Shields, as well as presented a theory on why two Royals starters - Shields and Ervin Santana - have had to play the waiting game in each of the past two offseasons.

Then we discussed the bullpen and some of the factors in play in Spring Training. The primary roster is pretty well set, but the bullpen can have some intrigue to it.

As always, the Kansas City Baseball Vault is brought to you with the support of Kelly's Westport Inn in Kansas City, Missouri.