James Shields' Production Won't Match Reputation

James Shields has been one of fantasy's more reliable starting pitchers over the last five seasons, offering 200-strikeout and 15-win potential with the Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres. But the man known as "Big Game James" threw up some red flags in his 2015 debut season in Southern California that should concern fantasy owners entering this season.

His 81 walks were the second most in the majors, trailing only teammate Tyson Ross, and were nearly double his 44 walks in 2014. But perhaps most alarmingly, Shields allowed 33 home runs, tied with Kyle Kendrick for the most in the majors. It was his most allowed since 2010 (34) and, given that Petco Park is notoriously a pitchers' park, that's a major concern. Also consider that Shields is now 34 years old with more than 2,100 innings on his right arm, and the potential for a drop off is real. Resist the allure of this big name unless you're desperate for pitching or can scoop him up in the late rounds.