White Sox Rumors: Interest in James Shields is increasing

While White Sox fans have been sitting and wondering whether Jose Quintana or Chris Sale would be with the team on August 1, it seems that interest is peaking in another White Sox pitcher, James Shields.

When the White Sox acquired James Shields on June 4, the White Sox were looking at a way to add a solid fifth starter after falling out of first place just over a week before. Since then, the White Sox have gone 21-23 and have gone from being two games out of first to eight games out. While Shields time with the White Sox started out badly, in his last six starts, he’s gone 3-3 with a 1.71 ERA.

If the Sox are truly mired in mediocrity, Shields is a decent choice for team looking for another starter. With Shields doing well, it might be a good time to sell high. Looking at a few stats, it actually seems like an excellent idea.

Over those six starts, batters have hit .209/.267/.392 off Shields with a .206 BABIP. So, he’s either Coop fixed ‘em, or this is a short lucky streak for Shields since BABIP usually sits around .300. Shields also has a FIP of 4.85 over those starts, having given up six homers, walking 12, and striking out 21 over 42 innings. Lucky it is then. Let’s hope some of that luck rubs off on Rick Hahn.