The San Diego Padres have disappointed this season, but dismantling all the pieces they put together this past winter won't be easy.

James Shields hasn't pitched badly, but moving him could be difficult given his backloaded contract.

"They'd probably have to pay some of [the contract] down," a rival executive said.

Shields signed a four-year, $75 million deal with San Diego after helping the Kansas City Royals reach the World Series last October.