October 23, 2008 James Shields earned the win after throwing 5.2 shutout innings. He struck out four and scattered nine baserunners in the 4-2 victory.
Our View:Shields came through when he needed to, but nine baserunners in 5.2 innings seems like too many. He is now 2-2 in the playoffs.
October 18, 2008 James Shields allowed three earned runs on nine hits over 5.2 innings in Saturday's 4-2 loss to Boston in Game 6 of the ALCS, with three walks and three strikeouts.
Our View:Tampa Bay could have sealed their first trip to the World Series tonight, but now must play in Sunday's Game 7. Shields was 0-2 in the series, with a 3.46 ERA.
October 17, 2008 James Shields will be making his biggest start of the season in Game 6 of the ALCS as the Rays attempt to put away the Red Sox and move on to the World Series, according to the Rays Official Website.
Our View:Shields lost in Game 1 of the ALCS despite allowing just two runs in 7.1 innings, but he has won eight of his past 12 starts at the Trop where he finished the regular season with a 2.59 ERA.
October 14, 2008 James Shields may not start in Game 5 according to the Tampa Tribune. The likely alternative would be bringing back Scott Kazmir that day and saving Shields for Game 6 at the Trop.
Our View:That would make sense given there is about seven runs’ difference in the two pitchers’ ERA at Fenway Park, with Kazmir traditionally pitching very well here and Shields getting lit up over a smaller sample size.
October 10, 2008 James Shields only allowed two earned runs on six hits over 7.1 innings in Friday's 2-0 loss to Boston in Game 1 of the ALCS at Tropicana Field, with two walks and six strikeouts.
Our View:Shields pitched well, but the Rays' hitters could not muster a single run against Boston's pitchers, led by Daisuke Matsuzaka.
