James Shields lost Monday despite holding the White Sox to one run in six innings. Welcome to Kansas City, James. Shields struck out six and walked none. The single run came on a homer from Tyler Flowers in the fifth.

James Shields was absolutely hammered by the Angels on Friday, but still managed to earn a victory despite allowing nine runs (eight earned) on 11 hits over his five frames. Shields also walked three and struck out two in the game. He hasn't made a very positive impression on Royals' fans in his first spring camp, posting a 7.90 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 11/3 K/BB ratio over his 13 2/3 innings. Big Game James should have no problem turning it on once the season begins though, and figures to be a workhorse at the front of their rotation this season.

James Shields struck out six but allowed four runs on six hits over 4 2/3 innings against the Athletics Tuesday. Shields now has a 4.15 ERA and 9/0 K/BB ratio this spring for his new club. He might miss The Trop a bit, but he still figures to be a fantasy horse in Kansas City this season.

James Shields tossed three scoreless frames in Wednesday's win over the Diamondbacks. Shields permitted three hits, didn't walk anyone and struck out a pair. The Royals' big offseason acquisition has now been unscored upon in his first four spring frames. Kansas City is also undefeated in Cactus League play.

James Shields struck out one over a scoreless inning in Thursday's win over the Padres. It was a quick debut for Shields, as he needed just 13 pitches to get through the frame. We're interested to see how he'll fare now that he won't be pitching half of his games at the Trop, but it will probably help that he doesn't have to face the Yankees and Red Sox as often. He should be considered a top-15 pitcher in mixed fantasy leagues.

Royals manager Ned Yost has named James Shields the team's Opening Day starter. "That's a no-brainier," Yost said. The Royals' big offseason acquisition, Shields has posted a 3.15 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over the last two seasons while topping 220 strikeouts in each campaign. He'll face the White Sox in Chicago on Opening Day.

Royals acquired RHPs James Shields and Wade Davis and a player to be named later from the Rays for OF Wil Myers, RHP Jake Odorizzi, LHP Mike Montgomery and 3B Patrick Leonard. The Royals have acquired the frontline starting pitcher they have been looking for, but it came at a considerable cost. Shields has a 3.15 ERA over the past two seasons while only Justin Verlander has logged more innings during the same timespan. The Royals obviously think the move will help them make a run, but Shields is only under team control for two more seasons. Dayton Moore is taking a big risk.

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports that the Rays have traded James Shields and Wade Davis to the Royals.

Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that the Diamondbacks have been working to get James Shields in the rumored potential three- to four-team trade. The last version of the megadeal involved the D'Backs, Rangers, Indians and Mariners, with the D'Backs targeting Asdrubal Cabrera. It sounds as if in this version the teams, and obviously who would be getting what, would change. Olney says that if Arizona acquires Shields, it would allow them to deal one of their young pitchers, presumably for a shortstop.

According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports, the Royals have balked at the Rays' asking price for James Shields. Tampa Bay reportedly wants top outfield prospect Wil Myers plus an additional player or two. Which isn't sitting well with the Royals, given that Shields is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2014 season. The two sides will presumably continue to talk. Shields, 30, has a strong 3.15 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over the past two years.