when do teams begin to run players through waivers to test interest in an August trade?

 

Is there some strategic reason the Sox would not have immediately sought to do so with Gonzalez, Holland, Pelphry and Clippard?

Wouldn't be surprised if teams were posting players after midnight. I would imagine Shields is already on waivers.

If Shields were claimed (complete hypothetical, I know he won't get claimed), would the claiming team be on the hook for his remaining salary (including portion Pads are supposed to pay), or just the Sox portion? I would assume the whole portion since technically the Pads just sent money with Shields in the deal.