CHISOX REEL IN SHIELDS FROM THE PADRES
The Chicago White Sox acquired pitcher James Shields and cash from the San Diego Padres for pitcher Erik Johnson and infielder Fernando Tatis Jr.
What does it give the Chicago White Sox
Minus his most recent start, Shields has pitched well this season and the 34-year old is known as a clutch innings-eater and staff ace type who can lead a rotation. The White Sox are in the thick of the AL Central race and Shields should help bolster their mostly young rotation with his veteran presence and usually excellent output. The price tag is a bit high salary-wise, but this is a big-market team clearly intent on making a playoff push.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
The Padres are struggling again this season, and team owner Ron Fowler went public with his displeasure about the team--and about Shields--after Shields gave up 10 earned runs(!) in his most recent start. That set the table to move Shields' massive contract here, which opens up a lot of resources for the future and also lets the team's veteran underachievers know that no one is safe. Johnson is a solid back-of-the-rotation prospect, while Tatis is a raw but talented infield prospect .
Fantasy impact
Shields gets a solid fantasy upgrade in the fallout of this deal, since he'll likely win more games in Chicago than in San Diego (and he'll probably be motivated by the move). Johnson's fortunes don't change much--he's still a passable sleeper who may not quite be MLB-ready--while Tatis is radar-worthy as a slick-fielding, solid-hitting infielder and long-term keeper prospect. In Chicago, it appears Miguel Gonzalez will get bumped from the rotation to the bullpen (hurting his fantasy fortunes).
