• Full name James Anthony Shields
  • Born 12/20/1981 in Newhall, CA
  • Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Hart
  • Debut 05/31/2006
  • Drafted in the 16th round (466th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2000.
    View Draft Report
    Scouts say the 6-foot-3, 190-pound Shields has the arm to go in the first two rounds, even if they didn't see it this spring. He was laid up with a back problem, limiting him to six innings of work entering the homestretch of the season. When he did pitch, he wore a brace on his back. With a scholarship to LSU to compete with, teams may consider him too big a risk to squander an early pick.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Changeup in the American League in 2013
  • Rated Best Changeup in the American League in 2012
  • Rated Best Changeup in the American League in 2011
  • Rated Best Changeup in the American League in 2010
  • Rated Best Changeup in the American League in 2008
  • Rated Best Changeup in the Tampa Bay Rays in 2006

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