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The San Diego Padres came into the offseason with the framework for a solid rotation, and the signing of right-hander James Shields gives them perhaps the deepest starting five in the National League West, at least outside of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Shields reportedly is getting a four-year deal, with an option for a fifth season, with guaranteed money in the range of $72 million to $76 million. The agreement, reported late Sunday night/early Monday morning by SB Nation's Chris Cotillo and confirmed by CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman, also completes a quick but thorough makeover by new general manager A.J. Preller. After finishing 77-85 in 2014, the Padres hired Preller and added bats Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Wil Myers, Derek Norris and Will Middlebrooks. And now, Shields, who also was sought by the Chicago Cubs, Miami Marlins and others.
Figuring that Shields will pitch opening day for his hometown team, right-handers Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross and Ian Kennedy will fill out the rotation, along with Odrisamer Despaigne. Shields gives the Padres an ace of a certain kind, though his career results translate to more of a No. 2, or even a No. 3 starter in some rotations. He's not as dominant as Clayton Kershaw or Madison Bumgarner, or even Zack Greinke, keeping it in the division.
Shields, who just turned 33, has racked up 1,900 innings over nine seasons and has never been hurt. He made one All-Star team, in 2011 with the Tampa Bay Rays, and has a career adjusted ERA -- which accounts for ballpark factor — of 111, with 100 being average. (Greinke's, for example, is 117.) Shields lucked into the nickname "Big Game" because it rhymed with his first name, but he has a 5.46 ERA in the postseason. Despite some imperfections, he's reputed to be second to none in the clubhouse, and ought to give the rest of the Padres strong leadership by example. He also should be encouraged by the pitchers that will follow him in the starting five. Here's how they stack up against each other:
Cashner and Ross have the best stuff of anyone in the rotation -- possibly including Shields -- but Cashner has a history of being sidelined by injury. He finished the 2014 season healthy, however, and posted a 2.55 ERA with 93 strikeouts in 123 1/3 innings. Ross made the NL All-Star team in his first full season in the rotation, racking up 195 strikeouts in 195 2/3 innings. His command -- sometimes lack of it -- still bears watching. Kennedy benefitted from pitching at expansive Petco Park, but his secondary numbers indicate he'll be able to sustain his success. There aren't many major league rotations with a No. 4 starter as good as Kennedy.
