Before Cub fans have one massive episode, just hear me out for a second. James Shields could be a big time help to the Cubs as the season is set to enter the dog days of August.
It is no secret that the Cubs have more question marks in their rotation than a contending team would like. Joe Maddon has already had to use position players as relievers twice in just six games to start the second half of the season. He can’t keep doing that forever, and if the starters continue to fail to make it through six innings, the bullpen will be decimated before the playoffs even begin. Enter James Shields.
Obviously Shields is not the player he used to be, but he brings postseason experience, veteran leadership, and the ability to eat innings. Still not convinced? Well he has statistically been MUCH better than Tyler Chatwood has been this season.
Shields- 4.26 ERA, 3.38 BB/9, 1.5 WAR in 133.0 IP.
Chatwood- 4.84 ERA, 7.96 BB/9, -0.2 WAR in just 89.1 IP.
Furthermore, Shields’ ERA would more than likely drop in the more pitcher-friendly N.L. where there is no DH. And he would come as dirt cheap. Any prospects the White Sox can nab in a James Shields trade should be considered a win.
I’m not saying this should be the big move the Cubs make before the deadline. It seems like their main focus is on obtaining Zach Britton from the Orioles. But in the 21 starts Shields has made this season, 13 of them have registered as Quality Starts (at least 6.0 IP with 3 ER or less). If the Cubs want to help their bullpen stay fresh for when it matters, this is a move that should at least be considered.
