The Padres hit what at the time was thought to be the season lowpoint – a drubbing in Seattle at the hands of the Mariners after Shields allowed 10 runs and Christian Bethancourt and Alexi Amarista pitched better in relief than others who are paid specifically to do so. Then Ron Fowler unloaded on Shields and the team and three days later Shields is gone.
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For the record the actual lowest point came two days later when the Padres blew a 10 run lead in the 6th inning at home.