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2019 Projections (Preseason PECOTA - seasonal age 37)
IP ERA WHIP SO W L SV WARP
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Birth Date12-20-1981
Height6' 3"
Weight210 lbs
Age42 years, 11 months, 2 days
BatsR
ThrowsR
2.42015
-1.02016
0.72017
-0.32018
-0.62019
proj
WARP Summary

MLB Statistics

Historical (past-seasons) WARP is now based on DRA..
cFIP and DRA are not available on a by-team basis and display as zeroes(0). See TOT line for season totals of these stats.
Multiple stints are are currently shown —Click to hide.
YEAR Team Lg G GS IP W L SV H BB SO HR PPF H/9 BB/9 HR/9 K/9 GB% BABIP WHIP FIP ERA cFIP DRA DRA- WARP
2006 TBA MLB 21 21 124.7 6 8 0 141 38 104 18 105 10.2 2.7 1.3 7.5 0% .328 1.44 4.43 4.84 95 4.44 90.4 1.9
2007 TBA MLB 31 31 215.0 12 8 0 202 36 184 28 104 8.5 1.5 1.2 7.7 0% .282 1.11 3.92 3.85 86 3.50 72.3 5.2
2008 TBA MLB 33 33 215.0 14 8 0 208 40 160 24 103 8.7 1.7 1.0 6.7 0% .287 1.15 3.84 3.56 88 3.73 79.6 4.3
2009 TBA MLB 33 33 219.7 11 12 0 239 52 167 29 104 9.8 2.1 1.2 6.8 0% .308 1.32 4.05 4.14 90 3.78 81.1 4.4
2010 TBA MLB 34 33 203.3 13 15 0 246 51 187 34 107 10.9 2.3 1.5 8.3 0% .341 1.46 4.20 5.18 93 3.89 87.9 3.2
2011 TBA MLB 33 33 249.3 16 12 0 195 65 225 26 98 7.0 2.3 0.9 8.1 0% .258 1.04 3.45 2.82 90 3.37 78.3 5.0
2012 TBA MLB 33 33 227.7 15 10 0 208 58 223 25 95 8.2 2.3 1.0 8.8 0% .292 1.17 3.42 3.52 84 3.35 76.8 4.9
2013 KCA MLB 34 34 228.7 13 9 0 215 68 196 20 101 8.5 2.7 0.8 7.7 0% .298 1.24 3.49 3.15 93 3.47 83.0 4.1
2014 KCA MLB 34 34 227.0 14 8 0 224 44 180 23 102 8.9 1.7 0.9 7.1 0% .295 1.18 3.62 3.21 91 3.22 79.0 4.5
2015 SDN MLB 33 33 202.3 13 7 0 189 81 216 33 93 8.4 3.6 1.5 9.6 0% .299 1.33 4.48 3.91 98 4.07 95.2 2.4
2016 CHA 0 22 22 114.3 4 12 0 139 55 78 31 101 10.9 4.3 2.4 6.1 38% .296 1.70 6.89 6.77 125 6.68 147.9 -1.7
2016 SDN 0 11 11 67.3 2 7 0 69 27 57 9 94 9.2 3.6 1.2 7.6 48% .316 1.43 4.47 4.28 99 4.41 97.5 0.7
2017 CHA MLB 21 21 117.0 5 7 0 116 53 103 27 107 8.9 4.1 2.1 7.9 40% .270 1.44 5.82 5.23 112 5.05 107.4 0.7
2018 CHA MLB 34 33 204.7 7 16 0 190 78 154 34 102 8.4 3.4 1.5 6.8 37% .262 1.31 5.12 4.53 116 5.44 121.6 -0.3
2016 TOT MLB 33 33 181.7 6 19 0 208 82 135 40 99 10.3 4.1 2.0 6.7 42% .303 1.60 5.99 5.85 116 5.84 129.2 -1.0
CareerMLB4074052616.01451390258174622343611018.92.61.27.744%.2941.274.184.01953.9989.439.3

Statistics for All Levels

'opp' stats - Quality of opponents faced - have been moved and are available only as OPP_QUAL in the Statistics reports now.
Minor league stats are currently shown —Click to hide.
YEAR Team Lg LG G GS IP W L SV H BB SO HR PPF H/9 BB/9 HR/9 K/9 GB% BABIP WHIP FIP ERA cFIP DRA DRA-
2001 CSC A SAL 10 10 71.3 4 5 0 63 10 60 7 8.0 1.3 0.9 7.6 0% -.727 1.02 3.28 2.65 0 0.00 0.0
2001 HUD A- NYP 5 5 27.3 2 1 0 27 5 25 1 8.9 1.6 0.3 8.2 0% -.839 1.17 2.61 2.31 0 0.00 0.0
2003 BAK A+ CLF 26 24 143.7 10 10 1 161 38 119 19 10.1 2.4 1.2 7.5 0% .320 1.38 4.83 4.45 0 0.00 0.0
2004 BAK A+ CLF 20 20 117.0 8 5 0 120 33 92 13 9.2 2.5 1.0 7.1 0% .307 1.31 4.66 4.23 0 0.00 0.0
2004 MNT AA SOU 4 4 18.3 0 3 0 24 8 14 4 11.8 3.9 2.0 6.9 0% .345 1.75 5.77 7.87 0 0.00 0.0
2005 MNT AA SOU 17 16 109.3 7 5 0 95 31 104 6 36 7.8 2.6 0.5 8.6 0% -.605 1.15 3.17 2.80 81 4.24 83.6
2005 DUR AAA INT 1 1 6.0 1 0 0 9 3 6 0 115 13.5 4.5 0.0 9.0 0% -1.000 2.00 2.70 6.00 92 6.60 130.0
2005 phx Wnt AFL 6 6 31.0 2 1 0 23 2 29 3 6.7 0.6 0.9 8.4 0% -.588 0.81 3.81 1.74 0 0.00 0.0
2006 TBA MLB AL 21 21 124.7 6 8 0 141 38 104 18 105 10.2 2.7 1.3 7.5 0% .328 1.44 4.43 4.84 95 4.44 90.4
2006 DUR AAA INT 10 10 61.1 3 2 0 60 6 64 3 101 8.8 0.9 0.4 9.4 0% .343 1.08 2.01 2.65 63 3.42 71.9
2007 TBA MLB AL 31 31 215.0 12 8 0 202 36 184 28 104 8.5 1.5 1.2 7.7 0% .282 1.11 3.92 3.85 86 3.50 72.3
2008 TBA MLB AL 33 33 215.0 14 8 0 208 40 160 24 103 8.7 1.7 1.0 6.7 0% .287 1.15 3.84 3.56 88 3.73 79.6
2009 TBA MLB AL 33 33 219.7 11 12 0 239 52 167 29 104 9.8 2.1 1.2 6.8 0% .308 1.32 4.05 4.14 90 3.78 81.1
2010 TBA MLB AL 34 33 203.3 13 15 0 246 51 187 34 107 10.9 2.3 1.5 8.3 0% .341 1.46 4.20 5.18 93 3.89 87.9
2011 TBA MLB AL 33 33 249.3 16 12 0 195 65 225 26 98 7.0 2.3 0.9 8.1 0% .258 1.04 3.45 2.82 90 3.37 78.3
2012 TBA MLB AL 33 33 227.7 15 10 0 208 58 223 25 95 8.2 2.3 1.0 8.8 0% .292 1.17 3.42 3.52 84 3.35 76.8
2013 KCA MLB AL 34 34 228.7 13 9 0 215 68 196 20 101 8.5 2.7 0.8 7.7 0% .298 1.24 3.49 3.15 93 3.47 83.0
2014 KCA MLB AL 34 34 227.0 14 8 0 224 44 180 23 102 8.9 1.7 0.9 7.1 0% .295 1.18 3.62 3.21 91 3.22 79.0
2015 SDN MLB NL 33 33 202.3 13 7 0 189 81 216 33 93 8.4 3.6 1.5 9.6 0% .299 1.33 4.48 3.91 98 4.07 95.2
2016 CHA MLB AL 22 22 114.3 4 12 0 139 55 78 31 101 10.9 4.3 2.4 6.1 38% .296 1.70 6.89 6.77 125 6.68 147.9
2016 SDN MLB NL 11 11 67.3 2 7 0 69 27 57 9 94 9.2 3.6 1.2 7.6 48% .316 1.43 4.47 4.28 99 4.41 97.5
2017 CHA MLB AL 21 21 117.0 5 7 0 116 53 103 27 107 8.9 4.1 2.1 7.9 40% .270 1.44 5.82 5.23 112 5.05 107.4
2017 CHR AAA INT 3 3 14.0 0 3 0 13 3 14 0 100 8.4 1.9 0.0 9.0 48% .325 1.14 1.98 3.21 81 3.35 71.3
2018 CHA MLB AL 34 33 204.7 7 16 0 190 78 154 34 102 8.4 3.4 1.5 6.8 37% .262 1.31 5.12 4.53 116 5.44 121.6

Plate Discipline

YEAR Pits Zone% Swing% Contact% Z-Swing% O-Swing% Z-Contact% O-Contact% SwStr%
2008 2976 0.5071 0.4704 0.7829 0.6335 0.3027 0.8745 0.5856 0.2171
2009 3295 0.5326 0.4783 0.7824 0.6291 0.3065 0.8659 0.5869 0.2176
2010 3335 0.5061 0.4816 0.7852 0.6297 0.3297 0.8871 0.5856 0.2148
2011 3575 0.5105 0.4632 0.7591 0.6022 0.3183 0.8662 0.5476 0.2409
2012 3606 0.4321 0.4645 0.7487 0.6098 0.3540 0.8747 0.5834 0.2513
2013 3655 0.4566 0.4542 0.7669 0.6279 0.3082 0.8559 0.6144 0.2331
2014 3624 0.4785 0.4683 0.7767 0.6182 0.3307 0.8703 0.6160 0.2233
2015 3313 0.4223 0.4510 0.7102 0.6269 0.3224 0.8449 0.5186 0.2898
2016 3114 0.4226 0.4338 0.7742 0.6330 0.2881 0.8908 0.5869 0.2258
2017 2020 0.4663 0.4401 0.7525 0.6242 0.2792 0.8520 0.5581 0.2475
2018 3304 0.4413 0.4501 0.7552 0.6344 0.3044 0.8562 0.5890 0.2448
Career358170.47050.46040.76320.62400.31510.86750.58040.2368

Injury History  —  No longer being updated

Last Update: 12/31/2014 23:59 ET

Date On Date Off Transaction Days Games Side Body Part Injury Severity Surgery Date Reaggravation
2007-08-19 2007-08-19 DTD 0 0 Right Lower Leg Contusion Batted Ball -
2007-08-13 2007-08-13 DTD 0 0 Trunk Contusion Batted Ball -
2006-09-15 2006-09-22 DTD 7 6 Right Thigh Cramp Hamstring -
2002-04-05 2002-09-05 Minors 153 0 Right Shoulder Surgery - -

Compensation

Year Team Salary
2019 CHA $
2018 SDN $11,000,000
2018 CHA $10,000,000
2017 SDN $11,000,000
2017 CHA $10,000,000
2016 SDN $21,000,000
2015 SDN $10,000,000
2014 KCA $13,500,000
2013 KCA $10,250,000
2012 TBA $7,500,000
2011 TBA $4,250,000
2010 TBA $2,500,000
2009 TBA $1,500,000
2008 TBA $1,000,000
2007 TBA $394,400
YearsDescriptionSalary
12 yrPrevious$113,894,400
12 yrTotal$113,894,400

 

Service TimeAgentContract Status
12 y 125 dPSI Sports2019

Details
  • 4 years/$75M (2015-18), plus 2019 club option. Signed by San Diego as a free agent 2/11/15. 15:$10M, 16:$21M, 17:$21M, 18:$21M, 19:$16M club option ($2M buyout). Perks: hotel suite on road. Deal does not include no-trade clause, but Shields may opt out of contract after 2016 season (no later than 3 days after World Series). Acquired by Chicago White Sox in trade from San Diego 6/4/16 with $57,770,491 remaining on contract. Padres to pay $30,770,491, with White Sox responsible for $27M -- $5M in 2016 and, if Shields does not opt out, $10M each in 2017 and 2018 and the $2M buyout for 2019. Chicago White Sox declined 2019 option 10/29/18.
  • 4 years/$11.25M (2008-11), plus 2012-14 club options. Signed extension with Tampa Bay 1/23/08. 08:$1M, 09:$1.5M, 10:$2.5M, 11:$4.25M, 12:$7M club option, $2M buyout, 13:$9M club option, $1.5M buyout, 14:$12M club option, $1M buyout. $6.5M in performance bonuses based on IP, starts, Cy Young vote. Assignment bonus of $0.75M if traded. Tampa Bay exercised 2011 option 10/11. 2012 salary increased by $0.5M to $7.5M with top 5 finish in 2011 Cy Young vote. 2013 option increased by $1.25M to $10.25M with escalators. 2014 option increased to about $13.5M with escalators. Tampa Bay exercised 2013 option at $10.25M 10/30/12. Acquired by Kansas City in trade from Tampa Bay 12/9/12.
  • 1 year/$0.3949M (2007). Re-signed by Tampa Bay 3/07.
  • 1 year (2006). Contract purchased by Tampa Bay 11/05. Optioned to Triple-A 3/06. Recalled 5/06.
  • Drafted by Tampa Bay 2000 (16-466) (Hart HS, Newhall, Calif.).

2019 Preseason Forecast

Last Update: 1/27/2017 12:35 ET

PCT W L SV G GS IP H BB SO HR BABIP WHIP ERA DRA VORP WARP
90o 25.2 0 0 30 30 175.1 159 65 147 29 .262 1.28 4.31 4.73 -27.6 -3.0
80o 23.4 0 0 29 29 169.4 161 65 142 30 .271 1.34 4.66 5.11 -33.6 -3.6
70o 22.1 0 0 28 28 165.4 162 66 139 30 .277 1.38 4.91 5.38 -37.5 -4.1
60o 21 0 0 28 28 161.9 164 67 136 30 .283 1.42 5.13 5.61 -40.6 -4.4
50o 20 0 0 27 27 158.8 165 67 133 31 .288 1.46 5.33 5.83 -43.6 -4.7
40o 19 0 0 27 27 155.6 166 67 130 31 .293 1.50 5.54 6.06 -46.5 -5.1
30o 18 0 0 26 26 152.3 167 68 128 31 .299 1.54 5.76 6.3 -49.4 -5.4
20o 16.8 0 0 26 26 148.5 168 68 124 31 .306 1.59 6.02 6.58 -52.5 -5.7
10o 15.1 0 0 25 25 143.2 169 69 120 31 .315 1.66 6.39 6.98 -56.7 -6.2
Weighted Mean20002727158.81646713330.2871.455.315.82-43.4-4.7

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BP Annual Player Comments

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BP Articles

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BP Chats

DateQuestionAnswer
2017-06-27 20:00:00 (link to chat)What kind of potential does Fernando Tatis have? Top 10 prospect eventually?
(Max from CALI)		Yeah, we've got some really great reports on him. Top ten might be aiming high, but that James Shields deal looks nuttier by the day. (Jarrett Seidler)
2017-04-11 19:00:00 (link to chat)Why did the White Sox get off to that crazy good start last year? Are there any lessons from the rise and then crash landing?
(bemused from connecticut)		They started 17-8 and were below .500 every month after that until September. Looks like a lot of that good start was individual herculean pitching efforts, which seems easy to explain given their personnel. David Robertson was probably healthy in the first few months, as opposed to pitching through a knee injury in the second half. Austin Jackson was roughly replacement level instead of Shuck who was below, luck, variance.

In terms of collapsing in the second half, the team had already traded away what little depth they had in previous years (Trayce Thompson, Chris Bassitt, Marcus Semien, etc.) so any time anything went wrong there was no fallback option.

The White Sox did aggressively attempt to fix their rotation. Miguel Gonzalez worked out, James Shields didn't.

But they did basically nothing to help what already looked like a horrible offense as the season went on. Jerry Sands, Jimmy Rollins, and blitzing Tim Anderson through the minors at a blinding pace were basically their only efforts to upgrade from some really, really miserable options. (Nick Schaefer)
2016-06-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)Heard any good James Shields rumors lately?
(Hurtado from Like, Everywhere, man.)		I heard that you should always check for the blue mark before hitting retweet, if that's what you mean! (Christopher Crawford)
2016-05-17 14:00:00 (link to chat)I've got Matt Moore, James Shields, Tyson Ross (currently on DL), JA Happ, Kevin Gausman, and Adam Wainwright (among other starting pitchers) at the back of my rotation/bench in my keeper league. I feel I need to drop one of them soon to balance my roster. Should it be Wainwright? His performance has been lackluster so far but I wonder how much hope I should hold onto that he turns a corner and pitches (mostly) like his old self.
(mattstupp from NYC)		I'm tempted to tell you to punt on Happ only because the regression fairy came for him in a big way last night. But yeah, Waino has been not great and he's getting up there in years. I'm hardly a fantasy expert, though, so about five grains of salt there. I'm not an authority on such matters. (Nicolas Stellini)
2015-10-19 19:00:00 (link to chat)What level of a SP could I get in return for lindor in a dynasty format? Any good young specific guys you recommend shooting for?
(Snowborne from Pittsburgh)		Lindor's offense exceeded expectations and he's so young, so I'd think that you have to shoot for something just below ace level in a dynasty league. Shoot for someone at the James Shields level but obviously younger. I like Lindor's teammate Danny Salazar as a target. If you're rebuilding and want someone young, Giolito, though I personally hate trades for projection when you have the potential youn stud like Lindor. (Tout Wars Champ Mike Gianella)
2015-10-22 14:00:00 (link to chat)Good points on Liriano from your article...so who is this year's Liriano? The best SP Value available?
(Zonk from Chi Town)		Liriano Theory leads you to Samardzija... gotta believe you can fix whatever the White Sox broke with him. But I will be interested in what he gets. If it's in the James Shields neighborhood, or anywhere below, that could be a steal. (Matthew Trueblood)
2015-07-23 17:00:00 (link to chat)What is Gerrit Cole's peak upside? And how good could Tyler Glasnow be?
(Jeb from Iowa)		Cole is a legit ace who could be that ace for years. He's there this year. Glasnow could be a James Shields type...not quite an ace but that 1B type guy who is a 4 win pitcher for years. (Mike Gianella)
2015-01-20 19:30:00 (link to chat)If you were the Blue Jays would you try to add someone to the rotation like James Shields, or just go with Norris/Sanchez?
(Henry from Toronto)		Shields would be ideal if they had the cash, but I'm unconvinced they're going to spend big on any FA. (Ben Carsley)
2015-01-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you like the Angels moves so far? What's are they missing?
(Jesse from Fullerton)		Sure seems like they're going to need starting pitching. They can probably get through with the guys they have now and they likely can't afford to jump in on Max Scherzer or James Shields but both those guys would be huge improvements. The offseason is still young. There's time. (Matthew Kory)
2015-01-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)The Twins can win the AL Central in 2015 if _______.
(Twins Fan from DC)		Oh gosh. "...they sign James Shields and Max Scherzer." comes to mind. In truth I just spent a few minutes looking at their depth chart and I don't see it. Last season's Royals should be a lesson in writing teams off but I just don't see where they get the pitching from. (Matthew Kory)
2014-12-11 18:00:00 (link to chat)In todays FA market, if Jeff Samardzja was included in this group what he ballpark sign for?
(Evan from Chicago)		I think he Samardzja ends up going for a step down from Lester/Scherzer, probably more in the James Shields range; AAV possibly in the $18-20M area? (Mark Anderson)
2014-10-31 13:00:00 (link to chat)Who is the best fit right now for the Cubs in terms of pitching? They have young hitters coming up, but do they go for a young pitcher already doing well via trade or do they go after an older Free Agent ala No Game James Shields?
(vegetto712 from Orlando)		Jon Lester.

It's an easy name to throw out there because of the Theo connection, but once you step back and think about it, there are multiple reasons Lester should be a good fit. He is a pitcher in the heart of his prime, a rather good one, and he also does have that connection with Theo. It just makes sense.
Also, Jeff wrote a nice report on him:
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=24930 (Tucker Blair)
2014-10-17 12:00:00 (link to chat)If I had asked you three months ago what the Royals' offseason would look like, what would you have said? What about now?
(Justin from KC)		The biggest difference wrought by these three months, I think, is the Royals will show even more faith in Mike Moustakas. Their needs remain the same: They need an RF, a DH, another starting pitcher and some bullpen help.

Why?

Right field: Nori Aoki is a free agent, and he'll certainly play for more than $1.5 million in 2015. KC may make an attempt to retain him.

DH: The Royals have a $12.5 million team option on Billy Butler, and they certainly won't pick it up. He wants to stay, even after an awkward September spent sometimes on the bench. That feeling may not be mutual, but a World Series trophy could alter any potential plans to cut ties with him. Butler is a popular player with the ownership group, and his roots here are deep.

SP: James Shields is a free agent. He'll get a qualifying offer and decline it. If the Royals sign him after that, Andy Martino will cover spring training in a Speedo.

Bullpen: You always need bullpen arms. Here is the one other major difference. It appeared pretty clear throughout the season that the Royals had to make a decision about Greg Holland and Wade Davis. Their total paycheck for 2015 should land around $15 million (give or take $100,000 based on Holland's arbitration figure), and that's a high price to pay for two one-inning relievers. But, of course, this run may alter their internal calculus. Our Sam Mellinger reported the Royals believe they make at least $1 million for every playoff game they host. If they have the spare cash, they may feel its imperative to retain the ingredients of this formula.

That said, relievers are relievers are relievers, and relievers are inherently damaged pitchers. They end up as relievers because there's something wrong with them that prevents them from starting. So they can be volatile. Holland missed a good chunk of September with, essentially, a cranky arm. His triceps was tight. He has the most trade value of the duo, but between his profile as a one-inning reliever and some injury concerns of rival officials, the team won't exactly be able to trade him for a front-line hitter. One suggestion I heard - from neither a Royals official nor a Nationals official - was a fair swap would be Holland for Tanner Roark. I'm not sure the KC front office would be overwhelmed by that offer, but that's the type that could be awaiting them.

All of this is to say: Yes, Moustakas will be back in 2015, despite hitting .212/.271/.361 in 140 games this year. (Andy McCullough)
2014-10-17 12:00:00 (link to chat)Favorite James Shields clubhouse story?
(Nike from Doit)		There's a good one involving Christian Binford and ice cream, but I'll probably save that for next spring training. (Andy McCullough)
2014-10-17 12:00:00 (link to chat)Who's the best hitting pitcher on this team?
(Why Touki from Arizona)		It may well be Jason Vargas. I am sure James Shields thinks it is James Shields. (Andy McCullough)
2014-10-20 16:00:00 (link to chat)I keep reading that now the Royals might be able to re-sign James Shields this winter. If it happens, will that ultimately go down as a feature or a bug of this postseason run?
(Matt from Michigan)		That's a great question. Teams that win the championship often resign their veterans at reduced rates, but whether those are good moves really depends on the player. In the case of Shields, I would say that they are better off letting him go, so that would be a bug, unless he's willing to sign for an absurdly low number. (Rob Arthur)
2014-08-15 14:00:00 (link to chat)Will the fact that the Red Sox received assets for Lester make it more likely they will make an offer closer to market value? Or does it have to be viewed as two completely separate transactions?
(Cobbieguy from UT)		It's two transactions. The team has the asset (Cespedes) already, with no free agent offer to Lester. So those two things are unrelated, but as for Lester, his free agency will be interesting. Everything points to a return to Boston but I can't get past this question: why didn't they just sign him in the first place? The only answer I can come up with is Red Sox Discount Lester + Additional Free Agent Cost < Free Agent Lester + One Year of Cespedes. That said, the Red Sox will explore other avenues though so if Lester's cost gets way out of hand (quite possible) they could go after James Shields or another pitcher on the trade market (again, Hamels?) instead. (Matthew Kory)
2014-07-03 19:00:00 (link to chat)What do we do with James Shields? Nothing seems really off, but he's giving up a bunch of hits and the Ks have disappeared. Sell while you still can?
(Shawnykid23 from CT)		I got a ton of James Shields questions here. If you're in a redraft I would almost hang on and hope for value, if you're in a shallow keeper it depends on your situation. If you're in contention I think you sell to augment your roster in weaker areas. If you're out I think you keep and hope.

I'm keeping in deep keepers and dynasty leagues. His value is low right now and it might be better to hope he recoups some value for you in the short term.

In terms of what's wrong with him, It's concerning but I do think he comes back down the stretch. I still believe. (Mauricio Rubio)
2014-07-03 19:00:00 (link to chat)What is the best way to move older guys (David Wright, Adrian Beltre, James Shields,etc) for younger guys in a dynasty league or is this even relevant to do starting this season?
(hamsterjockey from WI)		If you're at the end of your contention window it's probably time to start selling some old guys to replenish your youth farm. I generally like layering young MLB players and prospects during these trades.

It isn't irrelevant to do this if it's time. (Mauricio Rubio)
2014-07-03 19:00:00 (link to chat)David Wright, Mike Minor, James Shields, Gregory Polanco for Paul Goldschmidt, George Springer and Dellin Betances. Would you make this move or is it not enough for Goldy?
(Jimbo from LA)		This is bordering on too many moving parts but I think this is fair, unless you suddenly find yourself in need of starting pitchers. (Mauricio Rubio)
2014-07-15 13:00:00 (link to chat)Is James Shields back to the James Shields of old? 2 really nice starts in a row. I know 1 was TB, but the other was Det.
(The Dude from Office)		Certainly looks better in these last 2, but it was a 12-start run of nearly 5.00 ERA (100 H in 77 IP, too). I don't think we're clearly out of the woods and back to ace-level, but I'm still holding firm with Shields. (Paul Sporer)
2014-06-27 14:00:00 (link to chat)What is going on with James Shields?
(Kyle from Under a bridge)		Lots of questions on Shields in the queue. His balance was greatly improved last season, particularly during the lift-and-stride portion of the pitch sequence, and he has maintained those gains in 2014. He is also throwing harder than last season by almost a full tick, so his relative struggles gain some intrigue. His transition from spine hyperextension to flexion looks more intense this season, with a "violent" head-butting movement near release point (like Max Scherzer), and that could be interfering with his ability to repeat the release point. The biggest functional issue that I have seen is that he is not burying pitches as well as he did last year, with a tendency to elevate, and he is dealing with the power spike that often accompanies elevated offerings. He could improve quickly, or the issue could linger, so it will be interesting to see how the cerebral Shields addresses the problem.

On the jukebox: Bob Marley, "Lively Up Yourself" (Doug Thorburn)
2014-06-26 14:00:00 (link to chat)It would be a colossal waste of time for the Rays to demand Polanco from the Pirates. What's a more realistic trade scenario involving Price? Joc Pederson plus a low-level pitcher? Piscotty & Marco Gonzalez? Thanks.
(R.J. from Palo Alto)		Of course it would would be a waste of time for the Pirates. They wouldn't make that deal.

I don't think either of those are good enough offers for someone like David Price. You have to realize that he's not a one-year rental. James Shields netted Wil Myers PLUS. David Price is better than James Shields. Whatever the Rays get in return for Price, it's going to be a haul. (J.P. Breen)
2014-06-11 12:00:00 (link to chat)What jerseys are the following players wearing on August 1st- David Price, James Shields, Jeff Samardzija?
(Shawnykid23 from CT)		...is a question I would like to know the answer to!

I'm going to guess Price and Shields don't get traded. The Rays will ask for a ton a ton a ton and the Royals won't want to give up on their season. Samardzija will get dealt and I'll say to the Orioles. Or maybe the Blue Jays. Or maybe the Brewers. Or the Giants. Or the (Matthew Kory)
2014-04-29 13:00:00 (link to chat)Should the Astros fire Porter?
(Bill from Wichita)		Nah. Porter is not the first manager to yell at an opponent, nor the first to get involved in a beanball war. He won't be the last, either.

In 2008 Joe Maddon got into a yelling match with Coco Crisp. The argument started because Crisp slid too hard into second base, which he did in response to Jason Bartlett blocking the bag with his leg. (Bartlett was and remains the master of that move.) Sure enough, James Shields hit two Red Sox in the first inning of the next game, including Crisp, who then charged the mound. So even the calmest, smartest of managers can get into hairy situations.

I wouldn't have fired Maddon then and I wouldn't fire Porter now. (That's not to say I support plunking or headhunting or anything like that; I can understand if you want managers held accountable for this stuff.)

Anyway, Think about it from Porter's POV. He's had to watch his team get stomped for the past year-plus, and he doesn't have someone like Shields, who won't let his team get disrespected without retribution. We can debate whether that stuff matters, but neither of us are part of the culture. Those who are seem to think it matters, and probably will until someone gets hurt/plunkings get banned. (R.J. Anderson)
2014-02-28 14:00:00 (link to chat)Are there any pitchers that come to mind who may not have great stuff but have excellent mechanics? Any you think could be in for a breakout season?
(nubber from tx)		Phil Hughes, James Shields, and Ian Kennedy come to mind. They all have legit stuff, but mechanics allow their stuff to play up a notch. I might focus on mechanics in my analysis, but at the end of the day raw stuff triumphs over mechanics. Mechanics determine how well that stuff plays. (Doug Thorburn)
2014-01-29 19:00:00 (link to chat)Can I win with Kershaw leading my pitching along with the likes of Y.Ventura, T.Walker, A.Bradley, one other proven starter & a few relievers mixed in? Or too much youth?
(Mitch from AZ)		Kershaw covers up a lot of blemishes, but I think you need to add a No. 3 starter type who you know will be productive, a la James Shields or something. The odds of Ventura, Walker and Bradley all producing like you want them to in 2014 aren't good. (Ben Carsley)
2013-11-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)Given the silly quirk in Lackey's contract that has him making the league minimum in 2015, doesn't he have rather enormous trade value coming off this season?
(Joshua from Toronto)		I think you could make the case he's as valuable in trade as James Shields was last year, which isn't the same as saying he could bring back as much as James Shields did last year. (Sam Miller)
2013-10-23 13:00:00 (link to chat)What do you think is most likely move the Rays make with respect to David Price? And what do you see as a fair (and realistic) return for him in trade?
(One Flap Down from Leonardsville)		Lots of Price questions today.

I would guess a trade is the most likely move, with the return following the template used in the Matt Garza and James Shields trades. Obviously Price costs more money than either of those guys did, but he's also the best pitcher of the three. (R.J. Anderson)
2013-01-31 13:00:00 (link to chat)How much will the KC defence impact James Shields? Is it all that bad?
(mmcd from ottawa)		No, Shields is a high strikeout pitcher. I don't think the impact will be all that much. (Zachary Levine)
2012-11-29 13:00:00 (link to chat)Hi Dan, thanks for the chat. If you are Dayton Moore, do you even begin to think about trading a guy like Wil Myers for Jon Lester or James Shields?
(Chris from AZ)		You have to always consider a deal for an established, high-end starting pitcher, especially when your side is moving an unproven minor leaguer. That doesn't mean that you have to do it. Myers' value will never be higher than it is right now. Those two starters you mentioned might not even be available, so don't get too excited. It all comes down to what your other options are, and how much they will cost in terms of players, money, and commitment. The Royals are on the brink of some really good things, and that fan base is so damn ready for a winning product. Dayton Moore has a good feel for the game, and learned from one of the greatest GM's ever in John Schuerholz. (Dan Evans)
2012-11-13 13:00:00 (link to chat)Where do you see James Shields pitching in 2013?
(baseballjunkie from cali)		Hello again, baseballjunkie. The Angels and Twins seem like possible trade partners, now that the Dodgers have seemingly moved on, but I wouldn't be entirely surprised to see the Rays hang on to Shields for the first half of the season, before reevaluating their situation. There were some rumblings last week that Jeremy Hellickson was the hotter commodity on the trade market, though I'm sure the Rays will be more averse to moving him given the difference in service time. (Daniel Rathman)
2012-10-30 13:00:00 (link to chat)Hopefully now that the Padres Pitching Plague is behind them, I feel a solid starter is a pressing need for the Padres. When Luebke returns back from the dead we should have Volquez, Luebke, Stultz, Richard, [body]. Whom do you think the Padres should throw in there? Personally, and I know this is a pipe dream, but I'm liking James Shields.
(Brandon from San Diego)		Hi Brandon, thanks for the question. I like Shields, too, but we're gonna need a bigger pipe. The tricky thing with the fences moving is that they can't just go get some random Kevin Correia type and hope it works. Clayton Richard led the NL in homers allowed last year despite calling Petco Park home. Some of the guys I mentioned above as being candidates for the Cardinals might be good fits in San Diego as well. Edwin Jackson wouldn't be a bad idea, but do the Padres have what it takes to sign him? I don't know. (Geoff Young)
2012-10-18 13:00:00 (link to chat)Hello, old friend! James Shields, Jeff Niemann, Alex Torres, Cesar Ramos, Alex Cobb, Wade Davis or Chris Archer all likely not going to remain with the team past Winter Meetings, let alone Spring Training. How do the Rays better their roster, knowing there's a huge logjam of pitching and there's room for improvement offensively. James Shields kicked it up a notch after the deadline, but can the Rays withstand another horrible 1st half from him again?
(jlarsen from chicago)		I don't think Archer is going anywhere. Part of his problem was philosophical-he pitched off his slider more than he should. He seemed to solve those after getting a taste in the big leagues and realizing his fastball plays against the big boys. Otherwise, he doesn't fit the profile of someone they'd part with at this juncture in his career.

I do see Tampa Bay trading pitching. If you want a name I'd say Nick Hundley. San Diego has enough catching, in the majors and in the minors, to move him for value. He'd fit nicely on Tampa Bay's roster. I don't have a good feel for what the market at first base or DH will be like (if they don't bring back Luke Scott). Logan Morrison's name might pop up if Miami is tired of him. (R.J. Anderson)
2012-07-11 12:00:00 (link to chat)Random Rays game from last two months: 2nd inning -- Opponent 2, Rays zip... Aside from that, what is your diagnosis of James Shields? The color guys seem to say that his mechanics are different this year, falling off the mound to the first-base side as he completes his motion, and that his "stuff" isn't as sharp as it used to be. He also looks a bit stockier than last year, but I don't know if that means anything.
(Charles from NYC)		I wrote about this a bit on Tuesday. The replacement level defense behind him has been atrocious, particularly on the left side of the infield. Shields went from a 60% groundball guy to a 45% guy since Longoria has left as he appears to be falling back into habits of strikeouts and flyballs because he doesn't trust the guys on the infield behind him. With Zobrist in the OF most games with Joyce out, the IF tends to be Conrad/Keppinger, Johnson, and Rodriguez/Rhymes and Rodriguez is the only defender in that bunch that grades out as even average. I'm currently trying to deal a $16 Scherzer in a 15 team mixed league for a $12 Shields to a guy that needs the K's (Jason Collette)
2012-02-02 15:00:00 (link to chat)For Fantasy baseball 5x5 Roto: I have had a horrible time with WHIP/ERA. I am thinking I would rank starters this year by 3 year average 150+ K's and eliminate ERA's above 4. Is this a good plan?
(karysingh from Key Largo)		When it comes to SP's I'm always more concerned about protecting ERA/WHIP than anything else, but having a great bullpen helps offset that somewhat. But, don't eliminate pitchers at any ERA level without looking at the underlying indicators, because as discussed earlier WRT Morrow and Nolasco, a high ERA can sometimes mask better skills than the raw numbers would indicate. Don't forget James Shields and Trevor Cahill in 2010... (Cory Schwartz)
2012-01-24 13:00:00 (link to chat)SP keepers! The stats are the usual stats (ERA, K, WHIP, wins, etc.) The guys are: James Shields, Josh Beckett, CJ Wilson, Ervin Santana. Do I have them in the right order? (Might keep 2, but probably only 1 while hoarding young 2Bs like Jemile Weeks & Dustin Ackley.) Thanks!
(David R. from Somewhere, USA)		Yes, you do have them in the right order, though I think there's a drop-off from Beckett to Wilson and that Beckett is a bit underrated this year. (Derek Carty)
2011-10-31 13:00:00 (link to chat)Just to clarify, my "Maloney - is that big?" comment was meant in jest. As a Reds fan, I like Maloney and his chances to stick at the back of the rotation in a park that doesn't punish fly balls. But to the follow-up comment, do you see the Reds acquiring a true front of the rotation type this offseason? James Shields seems the most likely candidate.
(RMR from Chicago)		I knew it was ironic. So was the first part of my reply--couldn't you see me wiggling my eyebrows? I like Maloney's command, if nothing else... I would hate to see the Rays part with Shields over arbitration, just because it would tear the heart out of that franchise, to the extent it has a heart. I also wonder about the workload on Shields the last couple of years. (Steven Goldman)
2011-08-16 17:00:00 (link to chat)If there was such a thing as a Movie Fantasy League, do you believe there is any upside left in Olvia Wilde? Tron, Cowboy & Aliens, and The Change Up all under-performed despite all the press about how pretty Olivia Wilde is.
(Bill from Boston)		Olivia Wilde is like James Shields today, beautiful but gets no support from her teammates. Stick with her, she'll bust out. (Jason Collette)
2011-07-21 16:00:00 (link to chat)James Shields for Mesoraco/Alonso. Make sense for both sides?
(Todd from Austin)		It fits the Rays' needs quite well. Throw in Heisey and I would sign off on it. (Jason Collette)
2010-12-20 13:00:00 (link to chat)James Shields greatly upped his K rate last year but gave up a boatload of HRs. Can he get his ERA down around 4.00 or less?
(dantroy from Davis)		Oh yeah. Big Game is a good pitcher. He struggled with some control last year and left way too many phat pitches over the plate, but his true talent is definitely better than a 4.80+ ERA. I don't know if he is a concrete #1 pitcher, but I see no reason why he can't cut back on dingers even if it comes at the expense of punchouts. I think a 4.00 ERA is pretty realistic. (Eric Seidman)
2010-10-01 13:00:00 (link to chat)How feasible would a James Shields for Lucas Duda and Kirk Nuewenhuis trade be for the Mets and Rays? With Johan out, the Mets could use a guy like Shields and there's plenty of reason to believe Duda can be most of what Carlos Pena is/was.
(Matt from Whippleville, NY)		I have no idea. (Colin Wyers)
2010-06-18 14:00:00 (link to chat)Exactly what do you think of James Shields and Wade Davis? Both started off well enough, the past month has been rough.
(OTSgamer from Dallas, TX)		Was never really high on Davis but I still think Shields is one of the most valuable SPs in the game, especially with that contract. I don't see him as a true #1 pitcher in the traditional sense of like a 2.80 ERA or anything, but as more of a 3.50-3.70 guy with 220 IP and a good K/BB ratio. Let's give Davis some more time though. It's really tough to gauge a player after only a month or two. (Eric Seidman)
2010-03-30 13:00:00 (link to chat)Rays best starter in 2011 is named...
(Pat from Jersey)		James Shields, until further notice. (Shawn Hoffman)
2010-02-05 13:00:00 (link to chat)Marc, what do you expect from James Shields this year? A return to his 2008 form or numbers more like he put up in 2009?
(Matt from DC)		There wasn't that much of a difference between the two seasons--his ERA was a bit lucky in 2008, and unlucky in 2009. Something in between wouldn't surprise me in 2010. (Marc Normandin)
2010-02-05 13:00:00 (link to chat)Given your fandom, do you find you end up with more or less Red Sox on your fantasy teams each year?
(Hammer from Pumps & A Bump)		I don't think I draft very many Red Sox players at all. Padres, either. I feel like I'm double-rooting for them, and that's just too much pressure.

I find it easier to root for James Shields to throw eight scoreless against Boston and have Tampa Bay's bullpen blow it in the ninth than it is to count on Dustin Pedroia to win it for two teams. (Marc Normandin)
2008-08-27 13:00:00 (link to chat)James Shields recently said he was a little tired. In his last 4 starts his era is 4.4. Should the Rays be worried about their pitchers "hitting the wall" down the stretch?
(Tommy from OPS,FL)		Concerned? Yes. Worried? No. I had this thought yesterday about how to bring David Price up. Why not give him one start as a bit of a chest-thumper and to quietly and easily buy everyone in the rotation an extra day's rest? Maybe we can bring this up on Friday. (Will Carroll)
2008-07-21 15:00:00 (link to chat)Do you like James Shields mechanics?
(Jonny from Tampa, FL)		Yes. See you next month, Jonny! (Will Carroll)
2008-05-20 13:00:00 (link to chat)Now that the Rays train has slowed down a bit and there's some "regressioning to the mean," do you think that the Rays have some staying power in their climb towards .500-dom and beyond?
(jlarsen from DRays Bay)		At 45 games into the year, it's still early. To some extent I think we have to take the Rays seriously, though the players who should be driving the offense really haven't produced much thus far (Pena, Crawford and Longoria are all below .265 EqAs). The pitching is showing some real improvement; high walk rate and all, Edwin Jackson is putting it together and has been very tough to hit, James Shields has been nasty, and both Scott Kazmir and Matt Garza are coming around. They can thank a much improved defense; the team is 2nd int he league in Defensive Efficiency at .716. I'm a bit skeptical it can stay that high, but it's nowhere near the nightmare that it was last year. So I expect them to stick around at .500 or above. (Jay Jaffe)
2008-04-29 14:00:00 (link to chat)Troy Tulowitzki. Is he going to turn it around? If I can get him for James Shields, should I? My current SS is Khalil Greene and it's a 16 team league.
(ted from cannot reveal my location)		No! James Shields is the man. Seriously. Isn't Ryan Theriot available? That's who I picked up to stop the Khalil pain. I like Tulo plenty, but he didn't hit on the road last year, and if he doesn't this year then you have someone useful for 81 games, some of which he's already tanked in. (Marc Normandin)
2008-04-29 14:00:00 (link to chat)Follow up on James Shields: I also drafted Kazmir, and I picked up Garza after he was dropped around the time he went on the DL. Should I pick up Sonnanstine? To rephrase the question --- could I have a winning team with 4/5 of the Rays' rotation?
(ted from still in the bunker)		Three is my limit, especially if it's head-to-head, where an extended slump can force you to lose consecutive weeks. You already have the three best ones. (Marc Normandin)
2008-02-06 14:00:00 (link to chat)What did you think of the Rays signing Shields to a long term deal this early in his major league life?
(Jules from TheStatpack)		What's not to like? Four years of James Shields for the price of one year of Carlos Silva?

In this market, even if Shields is hit by a bus, run over by a train, becomes a contestant on "I Love New York", and finishes the day in a car accident with Julio Machado, it's still better than going all Russ Ortiz on Silva. (Gary Huckabay)
2008-02-04 13:00:00 (link to chat)Thanks for your great work. Your interview with Brian Bannister was one of the best things I read all year last year. Just wanted to ask you your opinion on two players: James Shields and Nick Swisher. What do you see in their futures and who do you think is the more valuable player?
(Dennis from LA)		Thanks, Dennis. Bannister makes any interviewer look good.

I recently had someone opine to me concern about Shields' mechanics, specifically that they haven't been consistent over the course of his career. Granted, that's not my opinion -- I'm only passing along what I heard -- but if true it poses a question.

Swisher can hit. Given a choice of the two, I'd take Swisher. (David Laurila)
2008-01-22 19:00:00 (link to chat)When did Jamie Shields become James Shields? Do you think that he's going to be known as Jim or Jimmy Shields anytime soon?
(jlarsen from Chicagoland, IL)		I think he should use a different variant of James every season for the rest of his career:

2007: Jamie
2008: James
2009: Jimi
2010: Jaime
2011: Shamus
2012: Jimbo
2013: Xaume
2014: Hemi (That's Maori)
2015: Jim
2016: Jimmie (Jim Baker)


BP Roundtables

DateRoundtable NameComment
2010-10-06 10:00:002010 Playoffs Day OneCan anyone tell me where James Shields got his nickname "Big Game"? He got it before the Rays were good, when no game was big. (Eric Seidman)
2010-10-06 10:00:002010 Playoffs Day OneJames Shields is Big Game James, doncha know. But, to his credit, he is a very good interview. (John Perrotto)
2010-10-06 10:00:002010 Playoffs Day OneMy thinking is that it's better to have James Shields in Tampa Bay than in Arlington, given the issues he has had with the long ball. (Marc Normandin)
2008-10-10 13:30:00Friday LCSJames Shields is a guy who if they showed a mirror image of, as a lefty, he'd make more sense. (Wow, tortured sentence ...) I was looking for a comparable and thought Mike Mussina, but Mussina had a sick run from 23-26. Anyone? (Will Carroll)
2008-10-02 11:00:00Thursday Playoff GamesI kind of like the White Sox today, largely because I think Javier Vazquez is pretty underrated, and James Shields can give up the homers that drive the Sox offense.

Charlie Manuel is really growing on me. It's like listening to Bobby Bowden. (Joe Sheehan)
 

PITCHf/x Pitcher Profile

A Collaboration between BrooksBaseball.net and Baseball Prospectus - Pitch classifications provided by Pitch Info LLC


Although he has not thrown an MLB pitch in 2024, James Shields threw 37,754 pitches that were tracked by the PITCHf/x system between 2007 and 2018, all of them occuring in Spring Training. In 2018, he relied primarily on his Fourseam Fastball (90mph) and Cutter (87mph), also mixing in a Curve (79mph), Change (84mph) and Sinker (90mph). He also rarely threw a Slow Curve (69mph).