Ten years ago today, the Rays beat the Mariners 4-3 in extra innings. James Shields was the Tampa Bay starting pitcher. He pitched into the eighth inning, allowing three runs on four hits. He walked two and struck out ten.
You might wonder why I’m taking note of this game. It wasn’t Shields at his best (or at his worst). It was just a typical James Shields appearance.
But that is my point. A typical James Shields appearance during his prime years with the Rays was exactly this: a pitcher going deep into the game and giving his team a decent shot at winning.