Say hey, baseball: James Shields has signed. Now what?

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The Padres signed James Shields to a four-year, $75 million deal with an option, simultaneously upgrading their rotation while ending one of the most drawn-out stories of this offseason. Even with Shields off of the table, though, baseball isn’t quite ready to start: pitchers and catchers aren’t reporting until we’re most of the way through February, and there are still some loose ends that could be tied up before that time.

For instance, even the Padres aren’t done yet. They just hosted a private workout for Yoan Moncada on Monday, with the expectation being that they’ll be aggressive in bidding on the 19-year-old Cuban infielder. They had previously worked out another Cuban infielder, Hector Olivera, who they could end up getting instead since he doesn’t come with the same international spending penalties as Moncada. They might even still be in on Cole Hamels despite signing Shields, which almost seems superfluous, but there isn’t a strong enough reason to not make that trade. At least, no reason stronger than “but then the Padres would have Cole Hamels.”

Of course, the Phillies would need to be willing to move Hamels for that to happen, and indications are that general manager Ruben Amaro still isn’t happy about the offers he’s seeing for his ace. His expectation is that Hamels is the Phillies’ Opening Day starter, but that doesn’t mean Philadelphia is done making moves. Jonathan Papelbon could still be dealt during the spring, and if Cliff Lee’s elbow proves healthy, he could be dealt before the season begins as well.

That might not interest the Padres, necessarily, but it does put a Hamels alternative on the market. An alternative owed $25 million in 2015 and then $27.5 million in 2016 should his option vest for 200 innings pitched -- and even if it doesn’t, there is a $12.5 million buyout attached. Still, to a team who is on the bubble, Lee at $25 million is a worthwhile risk. It will all come down to what the Phillies are asking for in return, which is a phrase we’re all fatigued by at this point. When does baseball start again?