James Shields was tagged for six runs in five innings by the Yankees on Friday. Shields was really successful against the Yankees the previous couple of years, though it showed up more in his ERA (2.83 in 76 1/3 IP) than in his win-loss record (4-4). Today, he struggled right from the start, but the Rays let him off the hook with a nice comeback. We don't expect Shields to come close to matching his 2011 ERA this year. Still, he should be strong enough elsewhere to remain a fine fantasy starter.

James Shields allowed one run and two hits in four innings Sunday against the Orioles. Shields struck out six in the victory. He'll take a spring record of 3-0 and a 2.08 ERA into his Opening Day start against the Yankees.

James Shields yielded five runs -- three earned -- in 5 2/3 innings Thursday in the Rays' 8-6 win over the Pirates. Shields struck out six, but he also gave up 10 hits, including homers to Rod Barajas and Yamaico Navarro. His spring ERA jumped from 0.75 to 2.04.

James Shields struck out seven while allowing one run in six innings Saturday in a win over the Pirates. Andrew McCutchen's sixth-inning homer proved to be the Pirates' only run of the game. Shields seems about ready for his Opening Day start. He has allowed one run in 12 innings for the spring.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that James Shields will start Opening Day against the Yankees on April 6. The Rays are expected to make an official announcement soon. David Price, who started Opening Day last year, will start the second game of the season.

John Fay of the Cincinnati Inquirer reports that the Reds have had "ongoing talks" with the Rays about their pitching and that the Reds are "likely targeting" James Shields. Fay also mentions that Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann could be on the Reds' radar, as well, and adds that the Reds' top two trade chips, Yonder Alonso and Yasmani Grandal, would be fits for the Rays. It might take more than that to get Shields, but the Reds probably aren't willing to part with Devin Mesoraco. The Rays have insisted that Shields isn't going anywhere, but they'll listen to all offers.

The Royals have inquired on James Shields' availability, but the Rays have told them it would take closer Joakim Soria, outfield prospect Wil Myers and shortstop prospect Christian Colon in order to land the right-hander. In other words, a deal won't happen unless the Rays lower their demands significantly, which they really have no reason to do since they'd be perfectly happy to hang on to the right-hander. Shields is owed $7.5 million in 2012 and $21 million over the next two seasons if the Rays pick up his options.

Reds exercised James Shields' $7.5 million option for 2012. An easy call, even for the traditionally cost-conscious Rays. Shields, who turns 30 in December, went 16-12 with a 2.82 ERA and 226/62 K/BB ratio over 249 1/3 innings this season. His contract includes club options for 2013 ($9 million) and 2014 ($12 million), which could be enticing for other clubs should the Rays decide to shop him this winter.

Offseason trade candidate James Shields believes he will be back with the Rays next year. Shields has a $7 million club option for 2012. It'll be a no-brainer for the Rays to exercise that, but they might decide to shop him soon after to free payroll space and a rotation spot for prized left-hander Matt Moore. "I believe I'm going to be back next year, and I think (executive VP Andrew) Friedman feels the same way," Shields said. "Obviously there's a lot of offseason to go. As far as my opinion, I believe I'm going to be back. But it's a business and you never know what's going to happen." The Marlins are known to have interest.

Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that the Marlins are considering making a "serious run" at trading for James Shields this offseason. The Rays have Matt Moore ready to step into a rotation spot and could clear room for him by dangling Shields as trade bait, taking advantage while his value is at an all-time high following a career year. Olney correctly points out that Logan Morrison would be a fit for the Rays, as he could play his more natural first base position. Morrison, of course, has had issues with Marlins management, so they'd probably be willing to part with him for the right price.