Today's Fantasy Rx

Anaheim: Scot Shields, RH Reliever
2-0 and 0 Saves on a 17:8 K:BB in 13 IP over 8 G
with 11 H, 0 HR, a 21-6 G-F, and a 6.23 ERA.

He looked like perhaps the safest pick among non-closing AL relievers prior to the season, yet Shields' current ERA would worry any owner despite the helpful two wins. The walk rate is also alarming, however I don't see any obvious problems here. In his first game of the season, Shields walked three batters while allowed one hit and four earned runs in 1.2 IP at Seattle. If we subtract that outing from his overall stats, his 3.97 ERA on a 16:5 K:BB in 11.1 IP with 10 H looks much more palatable. Although he isn't dominating in most of his outings, he also hasn't truly struggled with his skills in any appearance this year. Consider him a strong as long-term roster filler, as well as a pitcher capable of approaching double-digit value, so he certainly qualifies as someone any owner should seek to acquire.

Due to complications involving a planned upgrade to our network infrastructure, the rest of this article will not by available earlier than Thursday evening. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Today's Fantasy Rx: When analyzing relievers this early in the season, check to make sure that one bad outing isn't unfairly skewing the seemingly poor statistics of an otherwise solid pitcher.