Wrong Way

James Shields, what has happened to you?

After starting the season 6-0 with a strong 3.04 ERA, Shields has derailed with a 1-5 record since June 15, along with a perfectly doubled 6.08 ERA over that span, including his 5 runs allowed losing effort vs. the Yankees on Thursday. However, the Devil Rays bats have not helped the young star.

Shields, in his five most recent losses has received an average of 2.6 runs per game, and with a 6.08 ERA that corresponds with that, well you can do the math. His strikeout to walk ratio is still impressive, but the batters are getting hits off him now, whereas before he was inducing more ground outs. The number of home runs that Shields has allowed in his past 6 starts is a little high though, with 10 leaving the yard in that short time. That has to be an area of major concern for Devil Rays manager Joe Maddon.

Shields has been the only starter Tampa Bay can count on over the 1st half of the year, so if the Devil Rays hope to stave off 100 losses this season, they will need to him to regain his spring-time form.

Its sure has to be discouraging pitching for a club that has been so historically pathetic and inept at bringing up new talent. Shields needs his confidence back, some help from his team, and some help from the front office to prepare them more adequately for next season.