San Diego Padres fans heard from the team's newest addition, right-handed pitcher James Shields Wednesday.
Shields spoke along with Executive Vice President/General Manager A.J. Preller and Manager Bud Black.
"It's incredible the change and the willingness to win," Shields said about the Padres. "This organization is ready to win now and that's what attracted me."
On Sunday night, Preller continued the most improbable off-season in San Diego sports history by announcing Shield's contract agreement.
The four-year contract is worth $75 million.
That's over and above the 2007, $52 million deal the Padres made with Jake Peavy after his National League Cy Young Award, the team reported.
Shields recently moved to Rancho Santa Fe and said it's amazing to be able to play in the same city where he and his family live.
