Big Game James

Sorry there is only one Big Game James and he plays another sport. 

It's a name they gave him in Tampa a few years back.  It rhymes so I suppose it sounds cool to say it.  I am guessing they are sending a Brinks truck to his off-season home but I am not sure if that's a great idea to throw money at him - either way - he's about to become awfully rich - for being good not great imho.  Would be nice to see him stay in KC but I wouldn't bet on it. 

I'm a KC fan, but no chance we keep him and we shouldn't. He was brought in to anchor a young pitching staff and he's done that. Now, you have young guys like Ventura and Duffy. Shields was a big part in helping them become what they are. He was worth big $$ in that capacity, but that job has been done. I wish him luck and hope he pulls in a big payday, but it won't be in KC.

I saw an article today on where the name Big Game James comes from. When Shields was a kid he was a big Lakers and James Worthy fan. Worthy's nickname was Big Game James. Shields and his friends adopted it for himself.

I agree with Roothog; he's done his job for KC... He has been pretty whiney thru 2 yrs of pitiful run support. Don't let this recent short run fool you, he wants out of KC and they aren't going to offer him enough to stay.... they may offer him just short of his market value so they can say they tried.

Frankly, I am surprised he is pitching in Baltimore cuz he gives up the big fly too often and Camden is cozier than Royals Stadium.

I had the same thought. It's the reason they have Vargas waiting until we go back to the K. Further, I'm at a loss as to why Duffy isn't in the rotation. He is coming off a late season minor injury, but he sure looked good in that first game back in late September.

I also agree that they'll make the qualifying offer, but he'll get a big payday somewhere else.

The article I read said Shields has probably pitched himself into a five or six year contract at 20m per year. It was part of an article that said if this is the market the Red Sox might as well bring Jon Lester back. But they better be prepared to make the same offer to Jon Lester for 25m per. Lester is more proven and two years younger.

The previous thinking was give up the farm for the last four years of Cole Hamel's contract and sign Shields as a #2 for four years.

4 years 80 million will keep him in KC, I don't think Mr. Glass will pay that since he frowned on 6 new L screens back in spring training.

Glass might be willing to go $20m / yr, but the length is a problem. I don't see the Royals offering anything beyond a 3yr deal. Nor should they.